Horror mask Ibibio

THE MASK OF HORROR IN IBIBIO

Ibibio are for neighbors living in the wooded area of ​​the Cross River in Nigeria. Many art objects belonging to this people have survived.

Expressive, often even exaggerated images are typical for masks. Their main task is to drive out evil spirits that are capable of causing harm. These are masks of disease, often with distorted faces that depict paralysis or are corroded by leprosy and gangrene. Often there are images that look like dead heads, whose impact is further enhanced by the clicking jaw. Every village in Ibibio is dominated by the secret alliance of Ekpo. The mask shown in the picture was used to instill fear and horror in the uninitiated.

Source: "Symbols of Africa" ​​Heike Ovuzu