Dance crest with chameleon ·  Nigeria, Afo · ID: 3048992

Description

metal, missing parts (clamps)

This type of crest is usually made of metal, more rarely of wood. It usually shows a combination of several magical symbols, in which the cockscomb plays a particularly important role. In allusion to this, the Afo call the crest “ekpeshi” (“feather man”).

Also frequently integrated into these dance crests is the chameleon, which is regarded as the harbinger of death, but which on account of its ability to change, can also bring life or death, happiness or unhappiness.

The crest is said to have appeared at funerals of nobles or important village elders. It could also be worn by a chief’s servant, when he visited neighbouring villages.

The object Dance crest with chameleon with the object ID 3048992 was last part of the auction 98th Auction at March 26, 2022 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 198.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.

Comparing literature

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, Munich 2009, p. 15