Ibibio Eket Mask With Cowrie Shell And Horn Cross River Nigeria Sidley Collection

This Ibibio Eket Mask features some distinct qualities that make is a truly collectable artifact. It has horn on the chin, glass for the eyes, crushed cowrie shell hair, and a metal rivet between the eyebrows representing wisdom.  The Ibibio have a long history in modern Nigeria's Cross River area. Colonial records from the late 1800s mention them, but oral traditions suggest an earlier presence. They resisted colonial invasions and the British eventually used their Ekpo society traditions to rule indirectly.  The Ibibio live near the Niger River's delta and ceremoniously use masks for planting and harvesting celebrations. This mask comes from the southern Ibibio people of Eket, but reflects the mixed traditions of the Lower Niger, Cross Rivers, and the Niger River delta peoples such as the Oron and Okobo.  Provenance: Niña Sidley Collection After a long career in publishing, Niña Sidley returned to her first love: collecting the art, artifacts, and textiles of the world’s indigenous p