Skip to main content
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Encased Horse Head
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Encased Horse Head

Date20th century
Mediumhorse skull, plant fiber and encrustation
DimensionsOverall: 12 1/4 x 22 x 9 1/2 in. (31.1 x 55.9 x 24.1 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Dr. Marcilene Wittmer
Terms
    Object number2002.49.1
    DescriptionHighly titled men who are family heads build their own house, called an obu, which they are entitled to line with carved wooden panels and to hang basketry with encased skulls of animals (cattle and horses) sacrificed to be consumed at family feasts. The obu serves as a kind of audience hall for the family head. The basketry covered skulls (or just bare skulls) are hung in rows from the ceiling and serve as a kind of backdrop and authentication that he has performed his duties.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Iatmul people
    probably 1st half of the 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ejagham people
    ca. 1940
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Abelam people
    ca. 1945
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Fon people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Fon people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lobi people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lobi people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ibibio people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Yoruba people
    ca. 1960
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ewe people
    20th century