Anthropomorphic dance crest · Nigeria, Idoma · ID: 3032624
not available anymore
Size
H: 39,5 cm
H: 15.6 inch
Description
wood, partly shiny dark brown patina, 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.