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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Masks : Yoruba Wooden Egungun Headdress
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Yoruba Wooden Egungun Headdress - PF.5017
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 19
th
Century AD
to 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
18" (45.7cm) high
x 10" (25.4cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Wood and Mixed Media
$4,800.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Masquerades in honor of ancestors are known
as Egungun or "powers concealed". This literal
meaning also describes the costume worn by the
dancers whose entire body is covered by very
elaborate layers of cloth. An egungun costume is
multi-layered arrangement of colored cloth and
beaded panels piled on top of one another, often
kept in a family for generations. This fascinating
janus headed figure wears an egungun costume
based on the same principal as those which
cover the full body. A beaded panel in
alternating zig-zag pattern of black and white
adds a sense of energy and vibrant movement.
White, black and golden triangles (symbols of the
regenerative forces in nature) occupy another
panel. Around the neck of the twin heads is a
string of cowrie beads. All of these
accouterments are symbols of wealth and
prestige. The heads themselves are similar in
style to ibeji figures, and each shares a crest of
vertical 'prongs'. By dancing in an opulent
costume a dancer honors his ancestors, and at
the same time proclaims the wealth and status of
his family.
- (PF.5017)
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