IDNO

T.170068.GIJ

Description

A portrait of the character Iro Ekpetu (Merciless). The masquerader is wearing a fierce mask, black with fang-like teeth, and a loose costume of sacking or soiled cotton cloth with an apron-like skirt of raffia. He is carrying a wand or a stick with which to threaten the crowd. Thatched buildings are in the background. [PB 15/09/2023]

Place

W Africa; Nigeria; South Eastern Nigeria; Onitsha Province; near Awka; Amuda village

Cultural Affliation

Igbo [historically Ibo]; Isuochi

Named Person

Photographer

Jones, Gwilliam Iwan (known as G.I.)

Collector / Expedition

Date

circa 1930 - 1939

Collection Name

Jones Collection

Source

Format

Colour Transparency

Primary Documentation

Other Information

T.169937.GIJ - T.170148.GIJ were located together in a Agfa transparency box, now numbered C756/.

Image used in Jones G.I. The art of eastern Nigeria. 1984 Cambridge: CUP Fig 10 p 60. Caption: 'Iro Ekpetu: Mau masquerade. Isuochi Ibo.'