African Masks (set of 3)

3 Cultural Masks from Raffia City at Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Raffia City is a place where artworks are produced by villagers and sold at the market. The masks are carved in hard, brown wood and completely dyed in different colors. The artist captures the Annang culture with displays of animals that are common to the Annang land. These home displayed masks are derived from the Ekpo masks of the Ekpo Secret Society, whose membership is restricted to Annang, Efik, and Ibibio men. Men are accepted into this Society by an initiation process. Ekpo is based on belief in the afterlife; indeed the word Ekpo means 'ancestor'. Members wear masks during the Ekpo masquerade season, which usually occurs annually at the end of the harvest in October. During the Ekpo season, masqueraders are seen around the villages and performing in marketplaces. Drumming and music are also important elements in Ekpo ceremonies.