Wright Auction

The Ekpo society, made up exclusively of men, hold most of the power amongst the Ibibio peoples. One way they communicate their power is through masked ceremonies. Idiok Ekpo masks embody evil spirits and serve as a reminder of how moral ugliness in life follows you after death. Through a disfigured face and deformities such as enlarged eyes, discoloration, a missing nose and raised bumps, these masks inspire both fear and respect. Idiok Ekpo's counterpart, Mfon Ekpo, are beautiful masks meant to promote the virtue of morality. This example was likely made for local use and retains traces of blue pigment.