Egungun Mask

Yoruba, Nigeria
Early 20th c.

Old American collection

This mask would have been worn during the annual or biannual Egungun festival, which were performances and celebrations to honor lineage ancestors. In addition to their use during the annual festivals, Egungun masks can also be brought out at funerals for important lineage members or in times of crisis when the guidance of the ancestors is sought. This mask has a strikingly naturalistic face accentuated by kaolin pigment. The series of holes around the edge of the mask would have allowed it to be connected to the fabric costume worn during the ceremonies.