The Ekoi (or Ejagham) live along the river Cross in Southeast Nigeria, on the border of Cameroon. In former times, their warriors are said to have danced with the actual heads of their killed enemies. However, this cult changed long before the arrival of the Europeans on their territory: since then the Ekoi people have manufactured these heads carved in wood, covered with antelope leather and dyed. The men wear these heads, called 'Ekpe', as dance crests on their own heads during ceremonies. Thus clad, they dance on the occasion of fertility rites and funerals. The present Ekoi Ekpe head is unusually large, covered in dyed leather ranging from dark brown to black in colour. The eyes preserve remains of an original white colouring. In its large, open mouth 5 animal teeth (horse?) are inserted. The coiffure consists of glued, real human hair. Two all-round rings of rattan wickerwork are attached to the base as a holder. A very expressive object with good, old usage patina. Minor age damage. Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century. H: 34 cm. (ME)

Provenance: Austrian private collection.

Literature: 'African Art in American Collections' by Robbins & Nooter, ill. 745; 'Die Kunst des schwarzen Afrika' by Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan, ill. 540; 'EKOI' by K.-F. Schädler, catalogue of Fred and Jens Jahn gallery, Munich.