Ogbom dance crest
Inspiration for this original hybrid creation derives from the convergence of two distinct masquerade traditions through trade on the Cross River. The first of these, with its protruding brow and planar face, is the Ogbom dance crest dedicated to Àlà (the Igbo earth goddess). The second, performed by members of the powerful Ekpe society, is characterized by a taut, skin-covered surface into which pin-like teeth are added.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ogbom dance crest
- Artist: Southern Igbo or Ibibio artist
- Date: late 19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Nigeria, Ozu-Item(?), Cross River region
- Culture: Ibibio peoples
- Medium: Wood, animal hide, metal (iron alloy, lead alloy, unknown alloy), pigment
- Dimensions: H. 22 in. × W. 7 3/4 in. × D. 8 5/8 in. (55.9 × 19.7 × 21.9 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Sculpture
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Eliot Elisofon, 1956
- Object Number: 1978.412.298
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.