4. HEADRESS

Ekoi, Nigeria Wood, iron, animal skin, basketry H. 11 _ in.

The Ekoi of Nigeria carve cephalomorphic and zoomorphic headdresses which are often covered with antelope skin; a fresh skin is applied atop a wooden core, with added hair and detailing. The varnished antelope skin substitutes for the previous use of human skin. The Ekoi have produced these works as far back as 200 AD. These headdresses were used to watch over the behavior of members of the ethnic group. The wearer, with mask tied upon head and attached to a long flowing raffia costume, during certain ceremonies, would approach and challenge troublemakers and punish wrongdoers openly. The large, prominent, protruding antelope skin-covered braids are a main characteristic of the Ekoi headdress. In African life and sculpture hair is an important feature; it is a cultural element of social communication and an expression of identity, social status or profession. The production of this type of mask was initially attributed to the Ekoi but the work is also encountered, with some variation among the Efik and Banyang in the northeast. The base is constructed from a heavy fiber and enables the structure to stand on its own.

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