Anthropomorphic dance crest ·  Nigéria, Idoma · ID: 3035487

Description

wood, polychrome paint, janus head showing identical facial features, wooden splinters as teeth, two cavities on top of the head, dam., traces of insect caused damage, cracks, traces of abrasion;
probably belonging to the “ogrinya” society. Membership was only allowed to men who had 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.