Ekuk mask

The mask called Ekuk, heart-shaped, represents a forest genius in the form of an antelope of great horns. Their horns that are also heart-shaped when they surround the head can be opened or closed by joining under the chin. This mask appears in the initiatory ceremonies, in the funerals of the notables and in certain rites of the Bwiti, as one destined to drive away the sorcerers. These masks share animal and human elements. It always dominates the white color of kaolin, color related to light, death and fights against evils. To this end, most of the time these masks are hung on the walls of the houses.

Some of these masks wear a kind of side arms that depart from the top of the head and surround the face leaving an empty space between the two.

The white area of this tall-skinned mask forms a perfect heart. The black outline features a semi-open mouth showing the teeth that adds a smiling note.