Bird mask with a powerful beak on stand - Ékoi, Cross River region, Nigeria, second half of the 20th century
Details:
Origin: Ékoi / Ejagham style, Cross River region, Nigeria
Theme: Bird mask with a powerful beak
Date: Probably second half of the 20th century
Material: Wood, leather, nails, raffia, seashells, and various other materials;
Patina: Brown and honey-colored patina
Height: 37 cm
Condition: In good condition
Ékoi sculptures, also associated with the Ejagham people, belong to a distinctive artistic tradition from the Cross River region, on the border between southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon. This region is renowned for its remarkable sculptural heritage, particularly wooden masks covered with animal skin, headdresses, and stylised human figures.
The best-known works associated with this tradition include wooden masks and headdresses covered with animal skin. These objects could be worn during dances, initiation ceremonies, funerals, and other traditional social or ritual events.
They were therefore not necessarily created as independent decorative sculptures. Many formed part of performances and practices that held specific social, spiritual, or ceremonial significance within their communities.
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