Ghost Mask, Idiok ekpo
Ibibio, Nigeria
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Herbert Baker collection, California. Irwin and Ceci Smiley, NYC, acquired from the above in the 1970’s. Exhibited: “Discoveries: African Art from the Smiley Collection”, Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion and Smith College Museum of Art, 1989
This very old mask has great presence. The face has a high forehead with vertical ridge and a large expressive open mouth. The face is surrounded medicine gourd vessels which are carved in high relief. The remains of old white, indigo blue and red pigments are still evident.
Ghost Mask, Idiok ekpo
Ibibio, Nigeria
19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Herbert Baker collection, California. Irwin and Ceci Smiley, NYC, acquired from the above in the 1970’s. Exhibited: “Discoveries: African Art from the Smiley Collection”, Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion and Smith College Museum of Art, 1989
This very old mask has great presence. The face has a high forehead with vertical ridge and a large expressive open mouth. The face is surrounded medicine gourd vessels which are carved in high relief. The remains of old white, indigo blue and red pigments are still evident.