Ekoi Ejagham Head with Hair Nigeria

Several neighboring groups along the Cross River share language, political structures, and religious practices, influencing their artistic expressions. Governed by local elders, Cross River societies rely significantly on men's secret societies for community regulation, instruction, and initiation into various organizational levels. The Ejagham, historically known as the Ekoi, have a men's secret society called Ngbe, characterized by large skin-covered masks worn over full-body costumes. Each Ngbe chapter possesses a lodge housing ritual equipment, including masks. Initially linked to a warrior's society on the Cameroon side, Ngbe members today engage in social and political activities, using their ritual equipment for initiation ceremonies and celebrating lives during funerals. Crest masks, like the one presented, were traditionally worn atop the head attached to a basketry cap, representing a classic and well-used artifact that would bring a bold presence to any collection. Interestingly, similar headcrest masks are found among the Boki people, neighbors of the Ejagham.

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