Headcrest

Culture: Ibibio artist , Eket group
Date: early 20th century
Material: Wood, reed, pigment
associated with: Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, Africa
Classification: Costume & clothing, masks
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: On View, Gallery 102
Dimensions: 30 3/4 x 8 1/2 x 8 in. (78.1 x 21.6 x 20.3 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Morton D. May
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 274:1972

NOTES

This figure’s active stance, robust forms, and painted geometric details suggest an ideal portrayal of masculine beauty. An Eket man wore this headcrest during performances called Ogbom, which honored the earth deity Ala and encouraged women’s fertility. While colorful ribbons descended from the basketry cap that supported the crest atop the dancer’s head, the gentleman performer was not otherwise concealed. Thus the dancer and headcrest appeared as a unit, each complementing the other, and perhaps attracting admirers from among an audience of singing and dancing women.

Provenance

- 1968
Everett Rassiga Inc., New York, NY, USA

1968 - 1972
Morton D. May (1914-1983), St. Louis, MO, purchased from Everett Rassiga Inc. [1]

1972 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [2]

Notes:
[1] An invoice dated November 23, 1968 from Everett Rassiga Inc. to Morton D. May documents the purchase of this object, listed as "1594 Ibibio figure on basketry headdress" [May Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum].

[2] A letter dated December 15, 1972 from Morton D. May to Charles E. Buckley, director of the Saint Louis Art Museum, includes the offer of this object as part of a larger donation [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, April 4, 1973.

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