Cassera Ekoi Skin Covered Headdress

Nigeria, Cross River Region

Private UK Collection 

11 in/28 cm H

Early 20th c

Ex: Joshua Dimondstein, Los Angeles, Ex: Emerson Woelffer, Los Angeles

This Ekoi or Ejagham figure is made of wood, basketry and covered by antelope skin, used in initiations, funerals and agricultural ceremonies. The Ekoi figure takes the form of a human head supporting a long neck with articulated arms presenting flattened hands upward, thought to represent an offering. The skull-shaped face has coffee-bean eyes, naturalistic nose and open mouth with filed teeth.