Crest Mask – Wood, Antelope skin – Ejagham – Ekoi – Nigeria

Stunning crest mask with multiple faces from the Ejagham 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. Crest masks do not cover the head but rather sit on top of it. They are attached to the basketry cap, which is held on the wearer’s head.
Spectacular by the exuberance of their hairstyles and the realism of the face.

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