Janusfaced mask "egungun" · Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3037447
sold
EUR 200
Size
H: 23 cm (mask)
L: ~ 128 cm (costume)
H: 9.1 inch (mask)
L: ~ 50.4 inch (costume)
Description
wood, blackish brown patina, kaolin, traces of indigo blue pigment, helmet-shaped calotte, a costume from fabric attached to the lower rim, net-like cloth to look through, slightly dam., tears and missing parts in the fabric, faded patterns, spots;
“egungun” masks appear at festivals or in times of calamity to cleanse the town of wrongdoing and misfortune on behalf of the ancestors. The wearer is dressed in a costume that reaches down to the ground and completely conceals his face and body. The masked dancers are surrounded by assistants who use whips to keep the crowd at a safe distance, for it is dangerous to touch the mask.
Comparing literature
Witte, Hans, A Closer Look, Berg en Dal 2004, ill. 271