The Ibo are a large tribe in southeastern Nigeria (c. 16 million). The Ekeleke cult developed in their southwestern settlement area (region of the city of Agwa). During the dry season the Ekeleke group organises large dance festivals with music and singing. At these feasts men dance with such high crests on their head, in long full body costumes and on c. 50 cm high stilts. They dance carefully choreographed, impressive dances, either solo or in large groups – all with the same dance steps learnt by heart. The present head, bizarrely extended in length and with the volute horns, is a very typical, old dance crest for these popular Ekeleke dances: it is carved of lightweight, light-coloured wood. The narrow, long face, with small slit eyes, a long, pointed nose and the open mouth with teeth are dyed white by means of kaolin. The rest of the head, with the two horns and the long, conical, tapered neck is painted black. This Ekeleke head is a rare and very old object. This is indicated by the fastening holes for the mask costume on the lower rim of the crest: all of the holes are cracked as a result of protracted use. Also the colour scuffing to the kaolin white of the face, a break to the right volute horn, a minor crack to the right side, as well as traces of earlier insect damage on the back are evidence of the old age of this item – and last but not least, the encrusted, shiny, old patina on all the black surfaces of this Ekeleke head of the Ibo. There is an inventory number, in white letters, on the underside.
Height: 44 cm.
First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
South African private collection.

Lit.:
‘Igbo Arts. Community and Cosmos’ by Herbert M. Cole & Chike C. Aniakor, colour plate 34, ill. 318, 319.