Hausa Hornbill Bird Headcrest - Northern Nigeria - SOLD

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Because the Hausa have been heavily Islamicized for many centuries, their sculptural output is almost non-existent. The Hausa do produce some fine woven textiles, primarily in the Kano State of Northern Nigeria, as well as exquisite, tightly-woven baskets. There are also a few examples of a strange hunting headdress which uses the beak of a hornbill, carried by the crouching men over their heads to fool potential game.
Tall abstract crest in the form of a hornbill bird with narrow curvilinear head, notched along curvilinear tapered top, and displaying a long horizontal curved beak. Separate curved neck with with domed base would have been lashed to a cap. ex Collection of Dr. Peter Linden, NYC, by descent. Acquired by the family in the 1960’s.