Janus headed dance crest

Description

wood, remains of polychrome paint, different carved faces (scarifications, teeth), min. dam., cracks, traces of insect caused damage and abrasion, wooden socle;
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.