The expansion of the Oyo Empire (17th and 18th
Centuries) of the Western Yoruba kingdoms
resulted in a marked change, including the rapid
spread of the worshipping of Sango, a former
Oyo ruler. Along with the Sango, worship
evolved Egungun masking and other religious
practices. During the first part of the 19 th
Century, the Oyo Empire collapsed which
resulted in a long period of war. This chaotic
period lead to enormous political, social, and
economic change. Within one town there may be
great diversity in the styles of Egungun masks or
other works of art, which is a reflection of the
vast change experienced. Masks such as this one
were used for ritual dancing at annual
ceremonies, or in times of crisis, to invoke
ancestral spirits. Each Yoruba association is
identified by symbols on its masks. This
Egungun mask is a combination of a human head
and a hunter's coiffure. The long projection
representing a braid of hair is a sign of the
hunter or members of his lineage. The dominant
facial features on the mask (eyes, nose, lips, and
ears) impresses the viewer with a sense of power
and strength that Egungun masks posses. With
these bold qualities, it is certainly not surprising
that the people of Yoruba would culturally
depend on Egungun masking, in addition to their
many other religious practices.
- (PF.3511)
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