Ibibio-Efik Headdress, Cross River Region, Nigeria

John J. Klejman, New York, acquired by 1955
William Holden, Palm Springs and Los Angeles, acquired in the 1960s or 1970s
Palm Springs Art Museum, donated by the estate of the above in 1982 (inv. no. DM 21-82A)

"Exhibition of African Art", Allen Memorial Art Museum Bulletin, Vol. 13, No. 2, Winter 1955 - 1956, pl. 38

Headdresses and masks made by groups in the Cross River region of southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon belonged to intra-generational associations of men and, sometimes, women, who were hunters, warriors, or who otherwise shared a skill or accomplishment. Naturalistic in form and deeply symbolic, these headdresses were just one part of a full-body costume that dancers wore during important ceremonies such as funerals and initiations. The rest of the costume consisted of a fabric robe that covered the dancer's body and at times, even his face.