Dance crest "ekpeshi"
Click here to view a larger version of the imageLot: 176
95th Tribal Art AuctionDance crest "ekpeshi"
Nigeria, Afo / Idoma
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
Ketterer, Munich, Germany | H: 11.6 inch | This object is not available anymore. |
wood, three-part, rest., base
This headdress bears the characteristic chameleon-and-cocks-comb superstructure which was worn by the drummer, known as the "featherman" ("ekpeshi").
The strictly geometrical shape of the cockscomb, as well as the stylized form of the chameleons, could indicate that the headdress originates from the neighbouring Idoma, who adapted the "ekpeshi" headdress from the Afo and called it "ajika".
Vogel, Susan, For spirits and kings, African Art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman Collection, New York 1981, p. 152