Emblem (Nkpa) of the Leopard Spirit Society
Ejagham
1 of 3
Object Label
An nkpa is an emblem associated with a particular level of the Ngbe, a major men’s society that regulates social behavior among the Ejagham and Banyang people of the Cross Rivers area.
A drum membrane (missing here) occupies the center of an nkpa; drums symbolize the society’s legislative authority. The emblem is constructed of a palm-leaf mat with attached items such as a ceremonial broom, used to sweep away hostile “medicine,” loops of cordage that are signs barring entry to the sacred house, and a batonlike staff. Emblems are adorned with the skulls and horns of animals consumed at the feast held at the society’s founding.
A drum membrane (missing here) occupies the center of an nkpa; drums symbolize the society’s legislative authority. The emblem is constructed of a palm-leaf mat with attached items such as a ceremonial broom, used to sweep away hostile “medicine,” loops of cordage that are signs barring entry to the sacred house, and a batonlike staff. Emblems are adorned with the skulls and horns of animals consumed at the feast held at the society’s founding.
Caption
Ejagham. Emblem (Nkpa) of the Leopard Spirit Society, 19th century. Wood, animal skulls, plant fiber, iron, pigment, 37 x 36 x 9 in. (94.0 x 91.4 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Frank L. Babbott Fund, 1998.123. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Emblem (Nkpa) of the Leopard Spirit Society
Date
19th century
Geography
Place made: Southwest Province, Cameroon
Medium
Wood, animal skulls, plant fiber, iron, pigment
Classification
Dimensions
37 x 36 x 9 in. (94.0 x 91.4 x 22.9 cm)
Credit Line
Frank L. Babbott Fund
Accession Number
1998.123
Frequent Art Questions
Do you have more info on this work?
Yes, we do. I am not sure if that piece is still installed with the full label, but that is an 'nkpa' or emblem associated with a particular level of the Ngbe, a major men’s society that regulates social behavior among the Ejagham and Banyang people of the Cross Rivers area (the Cross Rivers Region is in Nigeria). The center used to contain a drum (the drum head is now missing) which represents legislative authority...other items included are a ceremonial broom (to sweep away hostile medicine), loops of cordage that are signs barring entry to the sacred house, a baton-like staff, and the skulls and horns of animals consumed at the feast held at the society’s founding.
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