Accession Number
2005/1.246

Title
Headdress

Artist(s)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
metal nails, wood and polychrome

Dimensions
8 13/16 in x 5 5/16 in x 5 1/8 in (22.4 cm x 13.5 cm x 13 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern

Subject matter
Although the origin of this object is unclear, it may have been created by Igbo peoples of what is today southeastern Nigeria. Similar objects, described as headdresses, head crests, cap masks, and crest masks have been made by Igbo peoples for various masquerades. Unfortunately, the context in which this object may have been used is not clear. 

References Cited: 
Cole, Herbert M. and Chike C. Aniakor. 1984. Igbo Arts: Community and Cosmos. Los Angeles: UCLA Museum of Cultural History.
Cole, Herbert M. 2012. Invention and Tradition: The Art of Southeastern Nigeria. Munich: Prestel. 

Physical Description
Wooden head with a long neck on a round base. The face is somewhat square and the ears are flat to the sides of the head. The mouth is long and thin, but open, revealing two rows of teeth. The nose is small and the eyes are almond-shaped, inset with metal. The eyebrows are thin and curved. Yellow, blue, and red pigments decorates the forehead and pointed hairstyle. 

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Primary Object Type
carving

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
masks (costume)
masquerades
performances (creative events)