 Ejagham or Ekoi peoples, Cross River Region, Nigeria/Cameroon Headdress, 20th century carved wood, animal hide, pigments, basketry base Purchase, 1978 (4637.1) Headdresses covered in animal hide, like this startlingly life-like depiction of a woman
with an elaborate coiffure, are created by the Ejagham and Ekoi peoples for both
festive and ceremonial occasions, at which the headdresses are worn secured to the
top of the head by a dancer, accompanied by musical instruments, whose face and
body would be concealed under a full-length costume. The artist who made this
headdress first carved the form out of wood and then covered it with antelope skin
soaked in water for several days, stretching and binding it into place, after which it
shrinks and stiffens. Eyes, teeth, and elements representing hair are often carved
separately and secured into the finished form. |