Ejagham Ekoi Wood Sculpted Headdress
This Ejagham Ekoi carved wood sculpture represents a female face with a young girl on top of her head. Two carved animals are on each side of the head. The sculpture has drilled apertures to the base. Such crest masks, often referred to as headdresses are attached to basketry caps worn on the top of the head.
The masks are worn during funerals, initiations and other events. Some are startlingly naturalistic and may be portraits of known individuals.
Origin:
Country: Ejagham (Ekoi), Nigeria
Material: Wood
Height: 42 cms
Provenance:
Private collection of Mr Alfred Spinnler.
Alfred F. Spinnler, CEO of Swiss Pharma Nigeria Ltd. possessed a large collection of tribal art, many items coming from his godfather's own collection acquired in the 1940's. Mr Spinnler acquired a large collection of African traditional art and antiques during his 20 years working in Nigeria and Ghana.
Condition:
Some age related traces of use with scuffs and abrasion.