Anthropomorphic dance crest ·  Nigeria, Idoma · ID: 3039212

Description

wood, polychrome paint, in form of three radially arranged heads with similar modeled facial features, rising from a conical base, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
probably carved by the artist Ochai
probably belonging to the “ogrinya” society. Membership was only allowed to men who already killed an elephant, a lion or a human. The crests were worn at funeral ceremonies or harvest festivities.

The object Anthropomorphic dance crest with the object ID 3039212 was last part of the auction 81st Tribal Art Auction at October 31, 2015 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 324 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,500.

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Comparing literature

Berns, Marla C. et. al., Arts of the Benue River Valley, Los Angeles 2011, p. 83, ill. 2.52