Hunter's decoy headdress "burtu" ·  Nigeria, Hausa · ID: 3042094

Description

Southern Ground Hornbill (Borcorvus spp.), skull of a hornbill, with beak, for the most part wrapped in animal skin, eyes inset with red seed capsules, package from red fabric, min. dam., small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion, base;
among the Haussa and others, hunters from various villages band together to engage in communal hunt known as “bago”. Before setting out, the hunters, completely clothed in black garments and bird headdresses tied with a strap around their heads, perform the “burtu” dance. The same performance may also celebrate the exploits of renowned hunters.

Comparing literature

Drewal, Henry John, Traditional Art of the Nigerian Peoples, Washington D.C. 1977, p. 49, ill. 48