Early 20th Century Ekoi 'Ekpe' Double-Sided Dance Crest

This striking double-sided mask was created by an Ekoi craftsperson to be worn as a dance crest during ceremonies. The Ekoi, or Ejagham, live along the river Cross in Southeast Nigeria and carve these expressive faces from wood before covering them in dyed antelope hide. These masks, called "ekpe," are worn while dancing at occasions such as fertility rites and funerals and are often portraits of known individuals.