Happy Friday and week three of my “A drawing a week” project. My subject this week is a beautiful Ibibio mask from the Eket people of Nigeria, Africa. It’s been a hot second since I posted a drawing of a “tribal”, or “primitive” woodcarving, not sure what the current “proper” term is, but I mean no offense, so if you know better than me, then drop the latest terminology in the comments. I found this week’s subject on the IG feed of the Koufen Gallerie, which has loads of amazing art posted.
Unfortunately, there is no information provided about this mask on the posting, but a quick bit of researched yielded that this is an Ibibio Eket Mask. One sold at auction at Sotheby’s for $150,000 – $200,000, so if you have any old masks lying around you might get them appraised.
Do I have to explain why I choose this particular mask to draw? Because it is awesome! Really, I mean look at it. How can anyone resist those hypnotic eyes? It looks like a muppet, like Animal’s distant cousin come to the new world for a visit. Here’s my rendition…
I made the eyes asymmetrical to give it an unhinged look and added a little chin. I bet this guy could scat-sing like a fiend, like a possessed Louis Armstrong.
Until next week, keep pushing your rock and I’ll take care of my own.
OK HW
2 Comments
Add Yours →Good Stuff brother! Zahdah!
You are right about the hypnotic eyes. Photo and drawing ‘draw’
You in.