An Extravagant Ekoi Janus Headdress... (Total: 7 )

Description

An Extravagant Ekoi Janus Headdress
Cross River Region, Nigeria, 20th century

The back-to-back head and neck is a single piece of carved wood covered with animal skin stained a dark red-brown color, remains of white pigment on eyes and teeth. The neck is lashed onto a basketry cap to be worn on top of the head during festive and important ceremonial events such as funerals. The attached spiraling extensions representing braids are also carved wood covered with skin. One face has gentle feminine feel with a friendly smile, while the other is more masculine in affect, with sharply pointed filed teeth.

Note: This exceptional work of art would have been created by an artist who was commissioned by a specific group within the larger Ekoi or Ejagham society. Membership in a specific group was restricted to those with specific skills (such as farming, wood carving, hunting, dancing, or healing). It would have been worn by an accomplished dancer dressed in a full length gown, adorned with the social group's symbolic ornaments and accompanied by musical instruments.

Provenance:
The Dr. Samuel and Lynn Berkowitz Collection

Published:
African Heritage Documentation and Research Centre #0090964

Height: 34 ½ inches

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