Dance crest ·  Nigeria, Idoma · ID: 3035555

Description

wood, shiny dark patina, remains of pigments, in form of a human head, temple scarifications, visible teeth, hat-like headgear with raised middle-ridge, min. dam., slight traces of insect caused damage and abrasion, socle;
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.

The object Dance crest with the object ID 3035555 was last part of the auction 74th tribal art auction at September 7, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 217.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.

Comparing literature

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

Publications

Bovis, Alain, Visages, Paris 2003