Single-faced Crest mask
Intense naturalism is taken to an extreme among the Ejagham. Originally, the masks may have represented heads of enemies killed in warfare. In the last century, they have been carved from wood and covered with carefully softened antelope skin. Shining pupils, pegged hair and a full set of teeth would add indelible special effects. Owned by groups of warriors and hunters, the mask would survey an audience with intimidating oversight.
Wood, skin, pigment, reed, bone
13 9/16 x 7 1/4 x 7 1/2 in. (34.5 x 18.4 x 19 cm)
Gift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company
81.17.508
Provenance: [Anthony Plowright, London, England]; sold to Katherine White (1929-1980), Seattle, Washington, 1972; bequeathed to Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 1981