Rams Head Antiques

Description

Early 20th Century Ekoi Crest Mask, Nigeria, of carved softwood covered in animal skin, the head surmounted by six twisted and curled horns, the large compressed head with painted eyes and open mouth with painted metal teeth, the base of the neck sitting on a basketwork cap. 64 cms high 45 cms wide and 18 cms in diameter at the base.


Materials: wood, Hide,raffia

The Ejagham Ekoi masks and headdresses represent ancestors. The skin covering of a mask or headcrest served as a magical agent to invoke ancestral spirits during initiations of members of the association, and also at periodic rites connected with agriculture. This has a woven rattan base encircling a carinated neck, and supporting the head with naturalistic features, and wearing an elaborate coiffure. The swirling tresses are inserted with wooded pegs at the base the whole covered with leather. What is interesting about this unique headcrest is that tresses are detachable. Fine aged patina.


Provenance

Property of a Gentleman.

From the residual contents of Stanhope Castle, Bishop Auckland.
UK delivery cost is £20