West Africa, Nigeria, Ekoi (Ejagham) peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. An intriguing hand-carved wooden headdress used during ceremonial Ntoon rituals. The body of the mask is defined by janiform heads, each with cupped ears, bulging crescent-shaped eyes, a prominent nose, a pointed chin, and a gaping mouth filled with small teeth, all wrapped with panels of untanned antelope skin. Six circular slots line the sides and top of the head and allow for the attachment of carved strands of curling hair. A circular head cap of woven rattan reeds is tied through drilled holes along the base and is lined with large cowrie shells. Size (w/ hair curls): 5.75" W x 21" H (14.6 cm x 53.3 cm).

The variety of mask forms used by the Ekoi (Ejagham) peoples have symbolic significance for both men and women of the Ntoon society. The two most prominent forms are a crest mask - with a wearable basketry cap beneath the antelope-skin-covered, sometimes multi-headed mask portion - or a smaller form which depicts only a single head or sometimes a full figure. The masks are typically created from a single piece of wood overtop which the artisan stretches and dries the antelope skin, and aesthetic embellishments like scarification and hair were included once the form of the mask was finished. The artisan would then paint the mask and include additional ornamentation like feathers or human hair to complete the overall composition.

A similar Ekoi janus headdress is listed for $1200: https://www.hamillgallery.com/EJAGHAM/EjaghamJanusHeaddresses/Ejagham41.html

Provenance: private Poos collection, Overland Park, Kansas, USA; purchased from private collection in 2017 - One of the largest privately held quilt and textile collections in the world, the Poos Collection has evolved over 50 years and through extensive travels to allow for original or point of source acquisition. The collection includes international textiles and garments with an emphasis on West African textiles such as adire, aso oke, kente, and ewe woven prestige cloths as well as East Asian textile works like this example.

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#145886

Repair to some hair curls, rattan head cap, and some attachment slots. Minor chips and abrasions to head, hair curls, and base, with fading to original pigmentation, and light desiccation to leather panels. Light earthen deposits and nice patina throughout.