14117 - African headpiece, likely an Ejagham (Ekoi), with a colorfully decorated fabric crown

African headpiece, likely an Ejagham (Ekoi), with a colorfully decorated fabric crown An expressive, wood-carved head with an elongated neck, narrow eyes, a straight nose, and three-dimensionally rendered ears. Dark, partially braided strands of hair surround the head. Above it rises a curved, fabric-covered headdress with geometric decoration and colorful accents in orange, blue, and white. At the lower edge is a ring-shaped structure made of bound plant reeds. The design suggests a head used as a headdress mask from the Cross River Region in the border area between Nigeria and Cameroon, possibly from the Ejagham or Ekoi communities. This attribution is not certain. Origin: Probably the Cross River Region, Nigeria or Cameroon, possibly Ejagham (Ekoi) Date: Probably the first half of the 20th century; exact date of creation not confirmed Material: Wood, fabric, plant cane, and dark hair or fiber trim; skin covering presumably preserved in places. Real hair not confirmed. Construction: Carved head with an attached textile crown and a tied fastening at the base of the neck Condition: Significant surface loss, cracks, and detachment of the covering. Textile components with missing sections and fraying. Height: 24 cm