ILLUSTRATIONS

EKPO is described as a secret social sect practiced by the ibibio people of Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. This practice extends from Masks to printmaking to poetry, music and dance. For this project, I am particularly interested in the musical and performance aspect of Ekpo. In this tradition, the masks are believed to embody the spirits of Gods and Ancestors. The spirit possesses the performers enabling them to perform super human licks and dance moves —thrilling audiences.