FESTIVAL DRESS FOR THE EKONG DANCE-IBIBIO


The Ibibios of Eastern Nigeria perform every year the Ekong dance.A special dress is worn for the occasion.

The face and the head of the dancer are completely obscured with a table like structure fastened to the head.
This is covered with brightly coloured fringed handerkerchiefs and on top appears the head of a female goddess flanked with attendants in police uniform.The head is carved in softwood and painted.The Ibibio gods and goddesses are supposed to have come from the waters of the rivers and to be of pale complexion.Their wooden statues are usuaally painted white or pink.Little mirrors decorate the base of the goddess.
The hands and feet of the dancer are carefully covered and a coloured cloth is usually worn about the waist of the dancer.