Egungun ceremonial outfit, 1930-1950
Yorubaexpand_more
Cotton, velvet, silk, felt, synthetic fibers, wool, aluminum, wood, buttons, yarn, plastic, stringexpand_more
The Simmons Family Endowment for Textiles and gift of funds from Jim Harrisexpand_more 2011.31
Not on Viewexpand_more
Made of layer upon layer of narrow cloth panels, the Egungun costume entirely covers the dancer, who peers out through a knotted fabric in front. The most prominent color of these masks is red, associated with healing and salvation. The annual Egungun masquerade honors the Yoruba ancestors, and the masked dancer becomes the ancestor, spinning and twirling to send the colorful panels flying out in all directions, giving “breezes of blessings.”
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Details
- Title
- Egungun ceremonial outfit
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2011.31
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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