Ancestor Figure – Wood, Antelope skin – Ekoi – Nigeria

Stunning ancestor figure  from the Ekoi tribe of Nigeria.
The Ejaghams live in the Cross River area. They are best known for their wooden crests covered with animal skin.

The Ekoi-speaking peoples are best known for their large, skin-covered masks, which may have one, two or even three faces, and for their smaller headpieces, which represent a head or an entire figure. The heads and skin-covered helmet-masks are unique in Africa. Earlier skins of slaves, later skins of antelopes, were used.

Good condition with a nice aged patina. The skin has clear traces of aging.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.