Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa
Nigerian, b. 1973
Ekpe Masquerade Costume, 2016
Raffia and other various fibers, 73 3/4 x 39 1/2 x 34 1/2 inches
Art Museum Commission
2016.16
Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa’s father and teacher remains the best recognized Ekpe maker of the culturally significant Ebonko raffia masquerade costumes. The pattern in the mane/collar contains symbols of the Ekpe secret society, including a ladder, table and border “dot,” the signature motif of the artist’s father. The costume features fabrics imported from various international locations in order to create a celebratory, eye-catching effect. As the wearer moves and dances throughout a festival setting, the bells fastened to the arm cuffs and mask create sound while the gems attached throughout catch reflections of light. This dazzling piece was commissioned by the Art Museum upon the recommendation of Miami University’s African Art Historian Jordan Fenton for future educational and exhibition purposes.