This is a very rare Janus and skin covered headdress Known as Nkuambok, created by the Boki peoples, Cross River region, Nigeria, Africa. The headdress has been embellished with black paints, human hair, rattan weavings and a basketry cap for wearing. The Wooden core was covered in animal skin and painted with designs around the face and eyes. According to the MET Museum, such headdress are very rare and this example probably belongs to the egbege association, a society reserved for women and responsible for a number of female affairs, most significantly the institution of fattening-houses for prospective brides. The origins of some motifs in this and other Boki works may be traced to numerous enigmatic stone monoliths known as akwanshi, located just south of the Boki peoples. There are still many gaps in the research regarding Boki material culture. Consequently, a concrete interpretation of the janiform composition of this Boki headdress remains unclear. Many scholars suggest, however, that the dual-headed representation may refer to the omnipotence and omnipresence of divine forces, as well as to male/female duality. This headdress measures 12 x 7.5 inches, 16 inches tall on its custom display stand. Provenance: Ex Constance McCormick Fearing Collection, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.

Good, well worn, fair, wear to skin, minor losses, overall good for its age.