Title Ibibio Headcrest Mask Nigeria African Art Collection Type of Object Mask Country of Origin Niger River Delta People Ibibio, see also Igbo Materials Wood, pigment Approximate Age Mid 20th Century Height (in) 22 Width (in) 6 Depth (in) 6 Other Dimensions Height: 22 Inches Width: 6 Inches Depth: 6 Inches
Overall Condition Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage. Damage/Repair Repaired arm
Additional Information:  This mask is from the Ibibio people who live in the area between the Niger Delta and the Cross River. In this region a number of culturally and linguistically related peoples share mask styles often drawing upon one another for imagery and perhaps even carvers who have some degree of mobility. 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. Such masks danced by the exclusively male Ekpo Society are known as Idiok, Ifiok is said to be an ugly mask that represents the dead, who are seen as wandering spirits that are potentially evil and have dark powers. Masks with deformed features often play upon the idea of an anti-aesthetic as they depict physical deformities or the effects of disease characterizing evil or malevolent spirits. It is a demanding exercise to identify all Ibibio masks as to their forms and functions for they are often subject to many sculptural influences and a number of their cult, ritual activities and masks are drawn from their larger neighbors the Igbo or the smaller groups including the Anang and the Oron Ibibio.
From the Collection of Robert Pearson, Denver, Colorado
Bob Pearson began collecting African art later in his life.  He was a n engineer, inveterate climber, and long-time collector of books and paintings.  Spurred by the Douglas Society at the Denver Museum of Art, and his friendship with noted collector George Heggarty, he began building an enormous, eclectic collection. His African art library grew to several hundred books.  He loved textiles and “material culture”-things which had domestic use, like spoons, cups, stools, and chairs, as well as masks and carvings.  His collection included items from more than thirty African countries, and his fine eye gave him pieces ranging from a golddust scale to huge Dogon figural ladders.  Africa Direct is honored to have been chosen to sell them.
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