The Igbo crest mask of the middle Cross River region in Southern Nigeria has an extremely rich and diverse masking tradition that embodies the spirits of tribal ancestors. The mask projects expressive facial features with white pigment, sensitive eyes, aquiline nose, open mouth showing teeth and an elaborate hairstyle that is one of the most artistic I have seen. Crest masks share stylistic forms of neighboring tribal groups such as the Idoma, Ijo, Isoko, Ibibio and Ekoi. They were danced in ceremonies for fertility, to cure illness, and at funerals.
