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.
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Attributed to:Yoruba People (Artist)
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Dimensions:Height: 9.75 in (24.77 cm)Width: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)Depth: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)
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Style:Tribal(In the Style Of)
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Materials and Techniques:WoodCarved
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Place of Origin:Nigeria
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Period:Early 20th Century
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Date of Manufacture:Early 20th Century
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Condition:GoodWear consistent with age and use.
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Seller Location:Chicago, IL
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Reference Number:Seller: CAA0192Seller: LU820023019412
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