Dance crest "goga"
Description
wood, dark brown patina, of cylindrical form, carved with a standing female figure arranged in front of large “rabbitear-like” projections, four tube-shaped projections for insertion of ornament, missing parts through insect caused damage (right ear, mask rim), cracks, rep. (both lower legs broken, left ear tip), abrasion of paint;
this female cap mask may have been used as a champion cultivator trophy hat called “goga”. The winner of the daylong farming contest “sambali” would dance to the side of the musicians to receive special honour and praise. The reason for the female imagery on the cap might be that it was above all the “sambali” who would “quickly get a wife”. A second possible context of meaning is that the figure refers to the special powers of women in “poro” society and particularly their priestly role as diviners.