From the Cross River region of Nigeria and Cameroon.

This superb "Processional Head Crest" has been created by carving wooden forms and faces presumed to represent ancestor images. These elaborate creations are completely covered with antelope skin - which when worn invoke communicative channels between the various "worlds". Unlike "masks", the Head Crest is worn on top of the wearer's head through use of the woven basketry located at its base. In this instance, the large "curled coif" - dramatically shown here - demonstrates the hairstyling of the [perhaps] bride-to-be...with the two faces (an almost mirror-image of this depicted face is on the reverse of this splendid work) representative of the "feminine perfection" of the summoned Ancestor(s) being reflected by the actual wearer as she proceeds in her placement within the ceremony. *

*Although I identify this Head Crest as possibly "bridal" in function, please keep in mind here that the ceremonial/processional uses for Head Crests of this styling and construction can be and are used for varied spiritually-derived purposes. For me, actually encountering this magnificence directly I do sense that variations of both form and subject matter (such as human/animal etc.) could serve those disparate needs.

As you, the viewer, can see...I continue to enjoy being more than a bit impressed by the dedication of various practitioners to their system of beliefs...

Again, an interesting read:

http://www.randafricanart.com/Ekoi.html