Yoruba Egungan Mask with Fabric Nigeria
Width: 10.0
Depth: 18.0
Description
The Egungun festival is a cultural tradition of the Yoruba people and their descendants. It unites families and communities to celebrate the spirits of departed ancestors, who return to the human community for remembrance and blessings. This masquerade is believed to have connections to the Yoruba god Shango and the royal court of Oyo.
The Yoruba Egungun Mask with fabric from Nigeria is made up of several layers of luxurious and esteemed fabrics, symbolizing the prosperity and social standing of a family and the influence of their ancestors. The garment is then decorated with additional layers of cloth. As the wearer dances, the flaps are swept up, creating a "wind of good fortune." The intricacy of the costume design is intricately intertwined with the choreography of the performance. These fabrics are a mixture of traditional and contemporary fabrics such as damask, velvet, silk, Indian madras, and printed cotton. The performances of Egungun include intricate body movements and dance steps, providing a captivating display of the spirit in motion.
Height (In) 10.0
Width (In) 10.0
Depth (In) 18.0
Fabric is another 11 inches long at the bottom of the mask
152499
Approximate Age: Early 20th Century
People: Yoruba
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Other Dimensions: Fabric is another 11 inches long at the bottom of the mask
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.
