Idiong Society Crocodile Mask Ibibio HUGE African Start Price USD 1,400.00 Current Price USD 1,400.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, November 16, 2008 End Time Tuesday, December 16, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Idiong Society Crocodile Mask Ibibio HUGE African' Description Title: Idiong Society Crocodile Mask, Ibibio, GARGANTUANType of Object: MaskEthnic Group: IbibioCountry of Origin: NigeriaMaterials: Wood, vegetal fibers, pigmentApproximate Age: Mid 20th centuryDimensions: Length is 37 inchesOverall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: General wear, scratches Additional Information: A colossal mask, in size and impact. Patina is encrusted--it has had layers of application. Part of the front jaw has been broken. The mask has two side faces next to the central face, as well as a serpent draped across the forehead and an unknown creature perched above the nose. A large raffia ruff surrounds the top. The back of the mask has a divider to make balancing it on the head possible, as well as a bite bar, with teeth marks. HEAVY.This interesting mask comes from the Ibibio people of southern coastal Nigeria. Between the Niger Delta River and Cross River regions of Nigeria a number of groups including the Igbo, Ibibio, Anang, Ijo and Ogoni live often times intermixing and exchanging artistic traditions, secret society masquerades and cultural patterns.The Ibibio live in a largely dense tropical forested area in small village groupings where they exercise social control through the activities of male secret society known as Ekpo. This secret society in based upon a cult of ancestors who advise, direct, and guide the Ibibio in all facets of their lives. This mask was danced by the exclusively male Ekpo Society especially by the members of the Idiong society (a diviner's society). The skull on this mask represent the dead, who are seen as wandering spirits that are potentially evil and have dark powers. The ugly side on such masks reflects the idea of an anti-aesthetic as they depict physical deformities or the effects of disease characterizing evil or malevolent spirits. Such masks were worn for social control and to punish troublemakers and everyone who transgress social rules and traditions. Recommended ReadingBlier's AFRICA'S CROSS RIVER."; Fagg, W. Nigerian Images. 1963.I have examined this piece and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, Ph.D.  **W3455** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!