Mask

Ekpo mask from the Ibibio people of Nigeria. “Ekpo mask [...] anthropomorphic, with large wide-open eyes, [...] filed and pointed teeth [...]. The band encircling the forehead recalls that the mask was carved for a priest-diviner, a member of the Idiong society” (quoted from E. Bassani [ed.], Arte dell'Africa Nera, Florence–Milan, Skira, 2000). The work is part of the Bassani Collection (inv. AFR 00048 2513A).

Photo: Paolo Vandrasch, Milano; Giuliano Spagnul, Milano; Vivi Papi, Varese.

Courtesy MUDEC.