Dance crest "egungun" ·  Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3036468

Description

wood, greyish brown patina, indigo blue, white and red pigment, nail heads, disc-shaped base with drilled holes around the rim, janus head in the centre, surrounded by two ape heads and four small kneeling figures, sacrificial patina, dam., minor missing parts, cracks, rep. (arm of one of the females), traces of insect caused damage;
the “egungun” society controls the relation between the ancestors and the living people. The “egungun” mask dancers appear in times of crisis, at commemorative ceremonies and on “odun egungun” festivities. Their function is to protect the people and guarantee the well-being of the community.

Comparing literature

Eisenhofer, Stefan (Hg.), Kulte, Künstler, Könige in Afrika, Linz 1997, p. 270