1916.45.94

Collection type

Object

Description

Fibre headdress with wooden figure of a ?crocodile on top. [MdeA / CW 30 4 98]

Long description

Fibre headdress with wooden figure of a ?crocodile on top. The animal lies horizontally and extends from either side of the base. It is painted white and black and has three dorsal fins fixed with nails. On the left side there are three sites for the attachment of lateral fins; similarly on the right, although one fin near the tail is still present. The tail also shows signs of damage or a missing part. The animal has its jaws closed, but there is a small gap which shows a ?cane latticework for teeth There is a raised spine on the animal's forehead. The animal has no eyes. [MdeA / CW 30 4 98]

Geographical reference

Nigeria

Africa > Western Africa > Nigeria

Southern Nigeria Niger Delta

Cultural groups

Eastern Ijo

Kalabari Ijo

Person

Field collector Percy Amaury Talbot

PRM source Percy Amaury Talbot

Date / Period

Date made: Before 1916

Date collected

By 1916

Acquisition information

Donated: 1916

Materials and processes

Material Wood Plant, Material Pigment, Material Cane Plant, Material Plant Fibre, Process Carved, Process Painted, Process Nailed

Dimensions

Width: max 177 mm, Length: max 1198 mm, Height: max 335 mm

Object numbers

Accession number: 1916.45.94

Research and responses

John Picton examined this mask during a consultation visit about the Ijo masks on 20 August 2013 and noted the following: This is a Kalabari Ijo head-dress mask worn on top of the head as part of a masquerade costume. This is a composite water monster combining elements of a crocodile and fish. The accession book entry describes this as from the Obukere Club that can also be spelt Egbukere or Egbukele, which is a masquerade not indigenous to the area. Originating in Abua where they spread to Ahoada (southern Igbo) and Kalabari. Now they are essentially an entertainment that allows for a display of young males demonstrating strength and agility and are not part of the masquerades that come under the Ekine society, who are usually responsible for looking after water-spirit masquerades amongst the Eastern Ijo, who are categorised as the groups living on the east side of the Nun River, which includes the Kalabari (for more details about this see p.48 of Robin Horton, Kalabari Sculpture (Nigeria: Department of Antiquities, 1965). [ZM 21/08/2013]

On page 305 of Tribes of the Niger Delta (1932, London: Sheldon Press) P.A. Talbot describes the Obukere Club as follows: "The Obukere, or Obukele, Club is a semi-secret society, which possesses great power along both sides of the Sombreiro River north of Degama. It was probably introduced by the Kalabari colonies in imitation of their Sakapu society, and the rites paid to the Owu, but has been adapted and modified in various ways by the different peoples among which it has flourished. Generally speaking, the main object of the club is to secure fruitfulness for human beings, animals and fishes. The most usual head-dress of the 'players' is a highly conventionalised fish." [see pages 305 and 306 for Talbot's full description] [ZM 08/10/2013]

Associated publications

Listed as number 86 on page 12 of Art from the Guinea Coast (Pitt Rivers Museum, Illustrated Catalogue No. 1), Oxford: Pitt Rivers Museum (1965): 'NIGERIA Eastern Region ... 86. "Water spirit" mask representing a water monster with shark and crocodile features. Probably from the Ekkpahia Ibo or the Abua of the Eastern Niger Delta. (1916.45.94.) (122 cm.)'. Also illustrated in black and white in unnumbered plate XXVII. (For details of exhibition, see under 'Display History'.) [JC 12 9 2013]

Search terms: Mask, Ritual and Ceremonial, Dance, Figure, Clothing Headgear, Religion, Head Ornament, Ceremonial Object, Dance Accessory, Animal Figure, Headdress