Crest Mask with Human and Animal Elements

Origin: Igbo Tribe, Nigeria
Composition: wood, rattan, pigment, nails
Age: early 20th century

This head crest is an enigma. The carving style, especially the delicate human face, suggests that it was made by the Igbo, but the cap-style headdress is not part of the Igbo masking tradition. It most likely comes from southern Igbo territory, where influence from the Idoma (the Igbo’s southern neighbors) would be most prevalent. The Idoma carve crest masks (similar to this piece, with distinctly different facial features) called Eku, that combine the elements of many animals with human features. An important related piece from the Igbo was published in "Nigerian Art: The Meneghelli Collection."

The Igbo occupy the present east central state of Nigeria and parts of the present mid-western state. The Igbo speak a common language, but with different dialects. Most Igbo traditionally live in scattered villages, which form the basic social units, cosmologically, they believe in the existence of the Supreme Being whom they call Chuku or Chineke. There are other minor deities under him, Anyanwu (The Sun), Iwa (The Sky) Ale (The Earth). Ale, the most important minor deity, is connected with the ancestors. The ancestors usually appear as masked dancers (Mmuo) who dance during festivals and funerals (Ref: Lois Woods Museum).

Please contact us to inquire about this piece at (415) 362-6601 or info@sujaro.com.