Crest Mask - Ekoi/ejagham Culture, Nigeria - First Half Of The 20th Century

Crest Mask
Ekoi/ Ejagham culture, Nigeria
First half of the 20th century
Wood, plant fibres, skin and pigments
Height: 56.5; Length: 56 cm

Carved wooden crest mask, sheathed in skin, topped with four twisted horns ending in a volute. The face has fine features, a half-open mouth with small teeth and hair sculpted into small ball-shaped buns. 
The end of the neck is trimmed with woven plant fibre basketry. 

These masks were used for initiation ceremonies, funerals and agricultural rituals, particularly in leopard societies.
They represent an ideal of feminine beauty. The characteristic hairstyle echoes that worn by young Moninkim women.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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