This was appraised by Barnebys.
AUCTION VALUE
400-550 USD
DESCRIPTION
The very bottom of the object appears to have scratched initials or letters, but is inconclusive. The inner edges of the object have spaced circular holes and the bottom is inner domed. The top of the object is a round outer dome and on the upper sides of the object are three painted faces which are well-carved; between the faces is a long rectangular shaped peg which appears to have been inserted for stabilizing - on the inside. Below the jutted faces is a long "neck" tapering down to a flared "head rest" which shows the hand-carved marks of the wood. The headdress is Janus-styled - Janus was a Roman god and was depicted with two faces in opposite directions. The headdress is of the Ejagham (Ekoi) people of Nigeria. The faces are painted white indicating that it was worn by a female - dark-stained faces indicate a male. The headdress was attached to a basketry cap and strapped to the head and worn on top of the head. The wood appears to be mahogany, and I believe was worn by a dancer (female) in an African ritual dance.
DATE
c. Circa 1950's - 1970's.
NOTES
The important art forms of the Ejagham people are connected with the institution of the Ntoon and with the men's and women's association. The best known of this art form are the large crest headdresses, which may have one or even three faces and the smaller headpieces which may represent a head or an entire figure. The headdress was worn for a funeral or initiation. Your headdress does not have the animal skin on the faces associated with 19th and early 20th century Ejagham headdresses. NOTE: the headdress is similar to those made by the Boki tribe who are culturally related to their neighbors - the Ejagham (Ekio) Tribe.
DIMENSIONS
Height 12 inch; Length 6 inch; Depth 6 inch
I have dealt in a lot of African wood carvings but this is one of the most unusual I have see. It is in excellent condition with just your expected wear.
Dining room Shelf