Country: Nigeria
Description: Such masks were worn by members of the Ekpo society, who take care of the well-being of the village and settle disputes. Ekpo members wear the masks to impersonate the ancestors. Rituals were also performed for planting, harvesting (yam harvest) and funerals. The mask was also a part of the rituals to appease the gods and to protect the people against illness.
Dimensions: 17" height x 6 1/2" width x 6 3/8" depth
Ex William B. and Evelyn Armstrong Jaffe Hall collection. Acquired from Maurice Ratton 3/25/1967
