Illness Ekpo Mask

Some of the masks of Ekpo society are called sickness masks. In fact, they represent the spirits responsible for illness or deformation, because this society, in addition to the administration of justice, is responsible for the care of the sick and the fight against diseases. In some ethnic groups it is the healers, magicians or sorcerers who carry them. Ekpo society is a very important society, the most important for the IbibioIt also deals with the cult of ancestors who are asked to protect the healing of the sick and also participate in the initiation of young people. They address political issues and ensure the security and stability of the village. In reality, Ekpo society has social control.

Ekpo masks usually have large eye orbits, but in the case of this mask they are truly huge, joined by a circle in relief. Two huge eyebrows are raised above them under a large front that occupies the rest of the head. Its mouth, very elongated, also embossed tops the bottom of the piece. It has two rows of teeth, small the top and more elongated the bottom. Its color is totally black.