Dance crest in form of an anthropomorphic head ·  Nigeria, Idoma · ID: 3040796

Description

wood, dark brown patina, black paint, kaolin, tribe-typical facial features and scarification marks, various drilled holes in the head with remains of a coiffure from real hair, rising from conical base with drilled holes for attachment, min. dam., rep. (base), cracks, paint rubbed off;
probably 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.