Crest Masks
Late 19th or early 20th century
Niger Delta region Nigeria Coastal West Africa
Nigeria
Representing water spirits, these inventive crest masks combine various animal parts, including the horns of antelope and rams, and the tusks and trunks of elephants. Along with the water birds pegged on the front and back of each crest—one of which is missing—these animals refer to land and water, the human world and the supernatural underwater realm—both domains where water spirits exercise their power.
Wood, pigment, and string