Janus headed dance crest ·  Nigeria, Idoma · ID: 3034459

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.

The object Janus headed dance crest with the object ID 3034459 was last part of the auction 72nd tribal art auction at March 9, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 337.

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