Double-Headed Mask on Single Base

Origin: Ejagham Peoples, Nigeria
Composition: wood (one piece), stain, leather (covering)

The Ejagham people live along various South-central Nigerian river banks in villages headed by priest-chiefs called Ntoon. An Ntoon is responsible for the ritual activities of the community while the political functions are performed by various societies of elders and age-grade associations of young men. The important art forms of the Ejagham people are connected with the institution of the Ntoon and men and women associations.

Ntoon masks were owned by an association or age set like the Nkang (men's warrior association), Egbebe (women's fatting-house guild) or beakarum (hunters association). They were likely used in connection with celebrations or ritual connected with initiation ceremonies. The skin covering the length of the faces on this mask is thought to be antelope or other bush animal skin. At one time headpieces such as this were used as substitutes for trophy heads—heads of slain enemies kept as trophies by warriors after battle.

The naturalistic features make the Ejagham headdresses interesting to art collectors and museums worldwide. This mask was purchased as part of a small Cameroon collection (despite the Nigerian origin of the piece). To date, we have not seen anything like this piece. The naturalism in the faces and elusive spirit to the piece is outstanding, and the tall, comb-like coiffure represents significant work in carving. This piece is thought to have been carved in Nigeria in the mid-late 20th century. In general, the age of Ejagham masks can be difficult to ascertain.