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Yoruba Egungun Headdress Mask

$1,980
£1,502.38
€1,717.84
CA$2,765.52
A$3,074.89
CHF 1,605.54
MX$37,428.84
NOK 20,485.93
SEK 19,194.34
DKK 12,820.52
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About the Item

Attributed to the Yoruba people of western Nigeria, this wooden headdress was worn during a masquerade known as egungun. A widespread Yoruba ritual, egungun performances honor a community's ancestors during funerals and annual gatherings. Dressed to embody those ancestors, egungun masqueraders confront the questionable behaviors of community members and reinforce the moral standards of previous generations. Surmounted by a crest-like hairstyle, this helmet mask has abstracted features, with closed eyes and subtle scarification on each cheek. The original darkened finish has aged considerably over a century of use, lending the mask a rich patina and beautifully worn texture.
  • Attributed to:
    Yoruba People (Artist)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.75 in (24.77 cm)Width: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)Depth: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: CAA01921stDibs: LU820023019412

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