EKET, Nigeria. Female Mask...

Description

EKET, Nigeria
Female Mask

Wood, pigments, fiber

The Eket are an Ibibio subgroup. Eket masks are typically small, with round faces often set in a flange pierced for costume attachment. Facial features include short noses and full lips. Masks are used by members of the male Ekpo society in ceremonies celebrating the yam harvest, Ogboni festivals honoring the earth goddess, Ala, and at funerals. Blackface masks are probably male and whiteface ones, like the present example, are probably female, as is true for other related Nigerian people's.

Height: 7 inches


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