Ejagham (Ekoi), Nigeria and Cameroon

Crest mask. In the Cross River region in southeast Nigeria, and over into Cameroon, several ethnicities are found and among them the Ekoi. The cult of the leopard had a unifying effect on the scattered communities of the Cross River. Commercial, ritual, and social exchanges took place because of it. The Ekoi-speaking peoples (Anyang, Boki, Ejagham, Keaka, and Yako) are best known for their skin-covered face- and crest masks, which are unique in Africa. Earlier skins of slaves, later skins of antelopes, were used. When the mask is made fresh animal skin is stretched and tacked over the soft wood from which it is carved. After the skin dried, it was stained with pigments made from leaves and bark. Masks appear in performances by accomplished dancers at funerals, initiations of new members, agricultural and other events. Crest masks are attached to the basketry cap, which is held on the wearer’s head. It is presumed that all masks represented ancestors.

Material: wood, antelope skin

Size: H. 16”, W. 9”, D. 9”

Price: $210 + $28 (S&H)                   [#J9E9M922]