Nigerian Ekoi People Headdress: "Ekpo" Mask

This is a Nigerian Ekoi People mask used in an "Ekpo" ceremony to contact ancestors' spirits. This type of headdress, with a face on each side, is referred to as a janiform composition. The faces are carved from a single piece of wood, joined at the neck.

The Ekoi people of the southeastern Nigerian coast use janiform masks in the Ekpo (ancestor spirit) secret society. In the last century, the Ekpo society exercised governmental functions among the Ekoi, also called the Ejagham. The masks were used at society festivals and funerals of members.

The black face is the male aspect and the white face represents the female.

Source:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/315079
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/janiform-mask-used-in-the-ekpo-secret-society-which-news-photo/152198043
https://www.zyama.com/ejagham/