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Ejagham
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Ejagham - Ejagham Mask, Nigeria/Cameroon
Height: 10 1/2 inches
the triangular nose has flaring nostrils, and the large almond shaped eyes have free shaped orbs
inserted. There is white kaolin pigment in the mouth and eye sockets. A band of white cowries at
the hairline differentiates between the smooth skin of the forehead and the pierced surface of he
crown, with the remains of tufts of human hair secured by nails into the scalp. Two large angular
pegs are embedded in the crown, severed at the skin level. These are possibly the remains of a
headress which would have indicated the status of the figure. This figure originates in the region
known as the Cross River Complex, the northernmost corner of the Cameroon rain forest area,
bordering on south eastern Nigeria. The term Ekoi is accepted as the general designation for the
heads made in this region, in a custom adopted by several groups. There are two types of skin
covered headdresses; caps and helmets. The former (of which this is an example) are secured under
the chin by means of a plaited cord. This lends an imposing height to an already daunting image.
The heads were effigies of deceased members of the Ekpo secret society, worn by society members to
instill a vital force in local people, animals and fields and to ensure the effectiveness of the
government.The heads are frequently marital in inspiration, which makes the combination of male and
female valences most interesting. The male images usually commemorate famous warriors, which may
account for the aesthetic of the bared teeth, an awe inspiring sight. Other details such as the
cowrie shells or other decoration represent animals such as spiders, snakes and panthers, animals
to which the groups essential values are attached. The Ekoi or Ejagham inhabit the
south-easternmost part of Nigeria, east of the Cross River, as well as the neighbouring area of the
Cameroons. They invented a form of secret pictographic writing called nsibidi, with which some of
their carvings are decorated. But in art they are chiefly remarkable for the use of skin-covered
heads, often highly naturalistic in treatment. Further description in: Sacks, Leslie J.: Passions-
Modern and African Art, p.34
Ejagham Mask, Nigeria/Cameroon
AA112
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To inquire by email, please click here
gallery@lesliesacks.com 
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Ejagham
Background
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