Dance crest ·  Nigeria, Urhobo/Isoko · ID: 3035835

Description

light wood, greyish brown patina, on ring-shaped base, which is wrapped with rotan strips, characteristic trait: high forehead with vertical ridge, oval mouth with bare teeth and a nose with projecting rim, the face framed by radial arranged projections, drilled holes scattered all over the facial plane, dam., missing parts through insect caused damage backside (hollowed), missing parts in the surface structure on the front side (forehead, mouth, radial projections), on base;
the most common masquerades of the Urhobo are dances for the spirits-of-the-earth, known as “edjo”.The “edjo” are ubiquitous spiritual forces whose powers permeate virtually all aspects of the lives of the Urhobo. They are also present in nature, such as water, earth, certain trees and plants, and even the air.