West Africa, Nigeria, Lower Cross River region, Ekoi (Ejagham) peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A fascinating janiform headdress with a pair of mirrored faces that closely resemble human visages. The faces are formed by pinning a large swath of antelope hide across a wooden mold and tightly pinning the hide to emulate the facial structure before drying in place. This headpiece features a pair of mirrored faces with full lips and protruding brows above a mutual neck that rests on a woven basketry base. Headdresses like this were secured to the top of larger basketry helmets and worn atop - rather than over - the head. Only certain members of the Ekoi/Ejagham peoples who had completed impressive feats of bravery or strength were allowed to don these headdresses. Warm brown patina covers all surfaces of this intriguing composition. Size: 7.75" W x 12.75" H (19.7 cm x 32.4 cm); 13.875" H (35.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1979.206.266 (with one face) and 1979.206.299 (for janiform).

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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#157756

Separation of hide from some basketry loops on base. Fissures and chips to areas of hide, with nicks and inactive insect wear to wooden area atop head, and darkening to hide color. Great coloration throughout and form is nicely preserved.