Mask - Idiok - Ibibio, Nigeria

Facial mask presenting a face with tubular eyes pierced with squares on either side of a slender nasal bridge and ending in a flat nose. Scarifications adorn the corners of the eyes and the forehead. Note also the presence of two iron nails on the latter. The patina on the front of the face is thick and dotted with small pieces of eggshells. This spirit had to be nurtured many times. This type of mask is called "Idiok" and represents a tormented or fallen spirit. He appears during the ceremonies of the Ekpo secret society.
Ibibio people, Nigeria
Wood with beautiful patina of use, nails.
H: 23 cm
First half of the 20th century
Sold with its base