Mfon ekpo mask, Ibibio, Nigeria - Lot 16

Mfon ekpo mask, Ibibio, Nigeria Black lacquered wood Height: 29 cm Provenance : Bernard ( 1900-1971) & Bertrand (1924-1994) Bottet, Nice, France, "Collection d'un amateur" 1995 Loudmer sale, Paris, "Arts Primitifs", June 23, 1995, lot 38 --- Mfon ekpo, Ibibio Mask, Nigeria Black lacquered wood Height: 29 cm Source: Bernard ( 1900-1971) & Bertrand (1924-1994) Bottet, Nice, France, "Collection d'un amateur" 1995 Sale Loudmer, Paris, "Arts Primitifs", 23 June 1995, lot 38 The black lacquered patina, softened by the effects of time on the edges of the nose and lips, is matched by the delicacy of the modeling and the naturalism of the figure, illustrating the essence of mfon ekpo masks, true incarnations of beneficent spirits who have attained plenitude in the afterlife. The mask presents a face with regular features and an interiorized expression, marked by large, hollowed-out almond-shaped eyes with heavy eyelids, a smooth, rounded forehead, a small upturned nose and a full mouth with hemmed lips. Delicate keloids sculpted in slight relief at the temples enhance the sobriety of the composition. Ikan ancestors, and in particular deceased heads of household, play a central role in the lives of their descendants, governing their fortunes and exerting spiritual influence. They are supposed to control the family's well-being, rewarding those who respect social norms and punishing those who neglect to pay homage or break the rules. Acting as protective and punitive forces in the world of the living, they are considered transcendent beings of mystical power, coexisting in both the world of the dead and that of the living. Only appeased ancestors who have achieved spiritual awakening in the invisible world are venerated, the object of libations, prayers and sacrifices. Because of the predominant role of the ikan in the community, the Ekpo male regulatory society, whose name derives from the term Ibibio meaning "ghost", exercises its legislative, judicial and administrative power through powerful masked ancestral entities, ensuring that the rules are applied on their behalf. The mask is thus the privileged ritual vehicle for connecting with these ancestors, and reinforces the legitimacy of ancestral norms and laws. The material expression of this intangible involves an eminently religious and sacred manufacturing process. --- The black-lacquered patina, softened over time along the ridges of the nose and lips, is matched by the delicacy of the modeling and the naturalism of the figure-hallmarks of mfon ekpo masks, true incarnations of benevolent spirits who have reached fulfillment in the afterlife. The mask displays a face of harmonious features and introspective expression, marked by large almond-shaped hollowed eyes beneath heavy eyelids, a smooth, domed forehead, a small upturned nose, and full lips delicately outlined. Subtle keloid scars in low relief at the temples enrich the overall sobriety of the composition. The ikan ancestors-especially deceased household heads-play a central role in the lives of their descendants, governing their fortune and exerting spiritual influence. They are believed to control the well-being of the family, rewarding those who uphold social norms and punishing those who fail to honor them or violate community rules. Acting as both protective and punitive forces in the world of the living, they are regarded as transcendent beings with mystical power, coexisting simultaneously in the realm of the dead and the living. Only appeased ancestors, who have attained spiritual enlightenment in the invisible world, are venerated through libations, prayers, and sacrifices. Given the predominant role of the ikan within the community, the Ekpo male regulatory society-named after the Ibibio term for "ghost"-exerts legislative, judicial, and administrative authority through powerful masked ancestral entities, ensuring the enforcement of norms in their name. The mask thus serves as a privileged ritual conduit for connecting with these ancestors, reinforcing the legitimacy of ancestral rules and laws. The material expression of this intangible heritage entails a profoundly sacred and religious creation process. Friction-worn patina on nose, lip edges and chin. The top of the headdress is slightly missing, with a crack on the right side. Another crack appears on the cap's advertisement. Missing left ear. The top of the right ear is slightly missing. ---- Worn patina due to friction on the nose, lip and chin. The top of the cap has a slight gap and a crack on the right side. Another crack appears on the announcement of the cap. Missing left ear. Slight missing at the top of right ear.