Anthropomorphic dance crest "tukum" ·  Cameroon Grassfields, Upper Cross River Area, Ekoi complex, Widekum / Anyang · ID: 3048347

Description

wood, animal skin, human hair, kaolin, wickerwork, clay-like mass, arms and legs worked separately, rest.

These dance crests belong to a class of masks called “mpoh”, a term meaning “spirit”.

“Tukum” play an entertaining function in Widekum society. As such, they can appear during the funeral of an important dignitary of the “nchibe” society, but are just as likely to perform during life-cycle celebrations of odinary people. “Tukum” are also employed to celebrtate victorious wars.

Comparing literature

Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 226