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The Yoruba are a Central Nigerian tribal group,
originally descended from a Hausa migration
from the northeast in about 900 AD. A small
kingdom – Ile Ife – was founded by Oduduwa,
followed by great sociopolitical expansion into
Southwest Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The Yoruba
have an exceptionally rich and diverse
mythology, history and religious context, all of
which are directly linked to their artistic output.
Among the Yoruba peoples of Southern Nigeria
is the Epa cult. Centered around the worship of
Epa, a wood-carving deity, ceremonies and
religious festivities honoring this god feature
large, impressive helmet masks such as this
one. Complex in form and monumental in scale,
these masks are among the most distinctive of
all Yoruba mask types. At the end of the annual
rites dedicated to Epa, the masks are brought
out and worn by young male dancers who
demonstrate their athleticism by balancing such
a heavy, cumbersome burden upon their heads.
When they are not worn, they are housed in
special shrines where they are offered prayers
and libations. Such masks typically memorialize
important family ancestors who are revered for
the fine moral character or highlight other
important figures within the community.
- (PH.0267)
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