Figural headdress ·  Nigeria, Ogoni / Ibibio · ID: 3045154

Description

wood, strong encrusted patina, plant fibre, base

This headdress was probably used for the “ka-elu” masquerade which was performed for fertility purposes prior to the New Yam festival.

At a corresponding event at E-eke in July 1992, more than twenty mask dancers were observed, each representing one particular family of the city. They moved from one family compound to the next t in order to bring blessings from the ancestors and dispel evil spirits.

The object Figural headdress with the object ID 3045154 was part of the auction 91 Tribal Art Auction on March 9, 2019, lot number 214 at that time and is currently available for EUR 5,000 in Open sale.

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Comparing literature

Anderson, Martha G., Ways of the Rivers, Los Angeles 2002, p. 281, ill. 9.7 Compare AHDRC 0144396