Dance crest "dagu"
Description
wood, brown patina, pigment remains, helmet-shaped calotte, surmounted by a stylized cattle and a small bird figure, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks;
used for ceremonies preparing young men for the actual initiation, the membership of the “poro” society. The dancers wore abundant costumes: long trousers, various capes, long strings with affixed brass bells, while the crest itself was ornated with cowrie snails, feathers and a long bands of fabric. The horns symbolize cattle, which makes sense, because the young men who have passed “zeu” were looked upon as “nescient” and therefore “scary oxes”.