Egungun masker's garment

Egungun masker's garment
Culture
Yoruba people
Creation date
Materials
cotton, velvet
Dimensions
L: 64 in.
Credit line
Peggy S. Gilfoy Memorial Fund
Accession number
1990.2
Collection
Currently On View

Egungun, meaning "powers concealed," is a masquerade associated with the honoring of ancestors. It is an important link between the worlds of the living and the dead. The maskers appear at annual festivals and at funerals. Two of their responsibilities are to console loved ones and to mediate between the two worlds. There is also an element of entertainment and social commentary.

The masker is completely covered by layers of cloth panels. The inner part is constructed of local handmade cloth.  The outer panels, which are added every year, are usually made of expensive, imported textiles.

Reproduction of these images, including downloading, is prohibited without written authorization from VAGA.

350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2820
New York, NY 10118
Tel: 212-736-6666
Fax: 212-736-6767
e-mail: info@vagarights.com
site: http://www.vaga.org/

Tell us what you see

What Others Saw

 

Today's Hours

Today the IMA is closed.

IMA Calendar

Directions to the IMA

Get directions using Google Maps

Type in your zip code OR Your Address (street, city state)