This mask was in use in the most important male secret society of the Afikpo, and took part in its initiation rituals. Spiritual incarnation of the god egebele, it danced during the annual masked festival called okumkpa or okonkwo.
This mask is exceptional both because of its vigorous execution and its geometrical daring. The upper part would be the evocation of the « yam knife », and the perpendicular lower part of a weapon. The patina demonstrates clearly its great age and its ritual use. The great majority of these masks were destroyed at the end of the 19^th century and at the beginning of the 20^th century, during colonial conflicts and the conversion of the few remaining villages to Islam.
19^th century.

Origin : Collection Yves Develon, Paris, 1993

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