Skin Covered Head 19th /20th Century Cross River Region Southeastern Nigeria Africa In earlier times skins of slaves and enemies were used to cover the carved wooden heads made by the Ekoi. Later skins of antelopes were used. These natural, somewhat demonic looking heads were attached to basketwork headpieces and worn on the head during the burial ceremonies of the Ekpo secret society. It is presumed that all such masks represented ancestors. This piece is a fine, old example. Most of the skin covering is intact. The eyes are rusted metal with nailheads representing the pupils. A multitude of wooden pegs represent hair curls. The whole piece, including the basketry, shows great patina from years of use. This is a beautiful and refined piece with a strong eerie elegance. Old Ekoi examples like this are rare to the market. Photos | Africa Index