A special-effects Xenomorph creature head from James Cameron’s sci-fi action sequel Aliens. Created for non-animatronic shots, the head was used in one of the many battle scenes in the Hadley’s Hope Colony, as the Colonial Marines go to war with the Aliens. Special-effects heads were worn by stunt performers, as part of the background or used on mannequin-style puppets when Cameron needed specific poses an actor could not achieve.

The creature design for Aliens was a simplified version of the one seen in the original 1979 film, allowing for maximum mobility, given the hordes of aliens moving down walls, over ceilings and through tunnels. Durability and practicality were key design concerns, and the dome from the original Alien was removed, resulting in the ribbed design seen on this piece.

Made from black urethane foam, the head has been hand-painted with contrasting dark hues to create an organic, insectoid look. Its even texture and shine are a result of sponge painting, while intricate facial and anatomical details enhance its realism.

Behind the jaw is a large opening for mounting — there are cracks around the edges from production use and natural ageing. The head’s exterior shows small surface cracks, with minor damage to the left side of the face and loose inner teeth from use on set. It includes a custom-made wood-and-metal display stand. Dimensions (head): 92 cm x 15 cm x 30 cm (36 ¼” x 6” x 11 ¾”); (stand): 26.7 cm x 4.3 cm x 44.7 cm (10 ½” x 1 ¾” x 17 ½”); (head on stand): 92 cm x 15 cm x 54 cm (36 ¼” x 6” x 11 ¾”)

£20,000 - 30,000