Mask, Widekum; Cameroon
Wood, animal skin; H. 17 1/2"
According to Keith Nicklin, this mask
was worn during funerary rituals dedicated to members
of the warrior society known as Nchibbe.
Stylistically, as opposed to the more naturalistic
masks made by the Ekoi and related peoples, this
mask portrays a more aggressive, fierce visage.
However, unlike many lesser quality examples, this
one is "softened" by the rounded forms
that play off of one another. It is likely that
most examples of these skin-covered dance crests
are covered in antelope or other quadruped skin.
However, human skin has been found on one example.
The notion, though, that all these crests are covered
with human skin is fallacious and was probably created
to enhance their "exotic quality" and
further their sale in the market.
