Ijaw Animal Spirit Headdress, Based

On the creeks of the Niger Delta, the water has spirits and so does the bush. The Ijaw dance for both.

This animal spirit headdress, carved in the 20th century, was worn horizontally atop the dancer’s head. The creature is long and low. Rows of dark spines bristle on its back, suggesting a porcupine or something like it. A bright red snout reaches toward a long, rounded form held at its mouth. The red legs and saddle-like body are dotted with small studs, and red-and-white cloth strips hang beneath. Thirty-seven inches across, on its stand.

Theatrical, as intended. Dim the lights.