Dance crest

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Description

wood, blackish-brown patina, encrusted in parts, female bust, wearing a necklace with large bead pendant, worked on conical base, “fence-like” cane structure for attachment of a costume, rep. (breakage at the neck), missing parts (nose, plaits), insect caused damage (neck), fine cracks, traces of abrasion;
this realistic representation of a female head can be assigned to the group of the “mfon” masks (compare Hahner-Herzog, 1997, ill. 49). They embody the “beautiful spirits” and primarily perform for entertainment of the village people. They belong to the important “ekpo” society.

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Comparing literature

Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 49

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