Nigeria
20th century
wood & seeds
HxW: 35 x 9 inches
Koro
The Koro people settled in Nigeria, north of the junction of the Niger and Benue Rivers. They carve abstract headdresses embellished with red seeds, which are thought to symbolize ancestor spirits and are used during agricultural rites and important social or family events. Anthropomorphic cups are used for drinking and pouring beer or palm wine during ritual sacrifices and secondary funerals.