The term “Ekpo” refers to ancestors, and these masks, often with hinged jaws, are worn by members of the Ekpo Society to assume these ancestral identities. Very similar masks are used by other peoples in the region, most famously among the Ogoni.
“The hinged jaw is opened and worked from within the mask by the masquerader and today it’s usually opened in jest for paper money tips from spectators.” – Ụ́kpụ́rụ́