Mask – Wood – Ibibio – Nigeria

Powerful Ibibio mask from Nigeria. Good condition with traces of tribal use.
The Ibibio people live in an area between the Delta an the Cross River of Nigeria. They live in villages led by a chief elected from the most honourable heads of the important families and Ibibio social life is regulated by three secret society which incorporate masks into their annual ceremonies. The Ibibio mask can be recognized by it`s typical mouth that can move upside down.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany. Including costume made stand.