Anthropomorphic dance crest ·  Nigeria, Idoma · ID: 3032518

Description

wood, brown patina, kaolin, camwood powder, in form of a human head, rising from a conical neck with ring-shaped wickerwork base, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, missing parts (coiffure);
probably belonging to the “ogrinya” society. Membership was only allowed to men who already killed an elephant, a lion or a human. It’s not clear up to nowadays in how far such dance crests go back to head hunting traditions. But fact is, that most of the ethnical groups in this area in former times captured enemy skulls for ritual purposes. The crests were worn at funeral ceremonies or harvest festivities.

Comparing literature

Neyt, Francois, The Arts of the Benue, Belgien 1985, p. 124 f.