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 This is a beautiful mask from western Africa. The style of this mask is in the classic form of an Ibibio mask from the southern coastal section of Nigeria, with its idealized human face and smooth, polished black surface. It has slit eyes and scarification patterns on the face reminiscent of some Dan masks. BUT the imbedded coins are from Nigeria, which are dated 1973. The accent on the black surface is done in gold paint. So the overall effect is very striking and decorative. This is one of various masks used by the Ekpo society within the tribe, to honor their ancestors and sometimes to act as “police,” in enforcing the tribal laws. The Congolese man who sold me this mask told me that it “was used by dancers who performed before the chief, to celebrate his wealth and power, and to celebrate the ancestor spirit who protects him and supplies these (abilities). Then the rest of the year the masks are placed on the three walls surrounding the chief’s official chair, to show and remind those who come before him that this chief is powerful.” Whether this is truth or tale, I do not know. I do know that this mask is beautiful and classic in style.
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