Ekpo Mask of Justice

The Ibibio do not have a centralized government, their heads are chosen from among the elders of the most notable families. They have two major societies, the Ekpo and the Idiong, made up of fortune tellers. Ekpo society is the most important, exercises judicial functions and deals with political and religious aspects, is also responsible for the cult of ancestors who are asked to protect against disease and is responsible for the initiation of young people. It is also the guarantor of the well-being of the village. In short, it has social control.

This quite realistic face mask features semicircular ears with an inserted triangle and on whose edges are three superimposed highlights with a drawing reminiscent of four-leaf clovers. This same highlight is also reproduced on the forehead. These highlights, cylindrical or square are characteristic of the masks of the secret society Ekpo. Its lower part is topped by small but strong jungle buffalo horns and an appendix similar to the male sex to enhance the idea of strength and virility. Dark, thick patina.