Mask Unknown

This mask was carved from wood by an Ibibio artist in Nigeria, its surface adorned with pigment. The striking contrast of black, red and white, the roughly hewn surface, and the asymmetrical eyes give the mask a haunting presence. The mask’s form reflects the subtractive process of carving. The artist likely used traditional hand tools like adzes and knives to remove material gradually. The wood’s inherent grain is still visible, adding texture and depth to the surface. Small perforations around the mask suggest that the mask was once attached to a costume, made from woven materials. The time and skill it would have taken to produce such a mask shows us the cultural importance of the traditions behind its making. Objects like this challenge our conventional ideas about "fine art," drawing our attention to the vital role of making and materiality in understanding cultural expression.