African Janiform Ekoi/ejagham Crest Mask, Nigeria.

Impressive Janiform Ekoi/Ejagham crest, Nigeria, made of antelope skin sheathing the wooden structure of this crest. The forehead is circularly braided with plant fibers, and the skull is topped with nails and an earth-based plaster. The metal teeth give this headdress a disconcerting look.

^{As explained many times in the descriptions of this type of object, according to ethnographic accounts, this headdress was originally worn by young girls during initiation and the period of seclusion prior to marriage. These masks were also used for initiation ceremonies, funerals and agricultural rituals, particularly among leopard societies.}

Condition :
- holes can be seen at the base of the crest: a circular braided straw "cap" is almost certainly missing.
- The antelope skin is damaged, with tears and cracks. Also missing a few pieces.
- At the top of the crest: crack in the clay slip. Missing nails.
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Period: circa 1960.
Dimensions: Height 47,5 cm.

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