Dance crest "ekpeshi"

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Description

wood, three-part, rest., base

This headdress bears the characteristic chameleon-and-cocks-comb superstructure which was worn by the drummer, known as the “featherman” (“ekpeshi”).

The strictly geometrical shape of the cockscomb, as well as the stylized form of the chameleons, could indicate that the headdress originates from the neighbouring Idoma, who adapted the “ekpeshi” headdress from the Afo and called it “ajika”.

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Comparing literature

Vogel, Susan, For spirits and kings, African Art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman Collection, New York 1981, p. 152

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