Egungun ceremonial outfit 1930 - 1950

ornate

natural stone pattern

jewelry design

structure design

fashion and textile design

folk art

traditional architecture

stoneware

beaded

decorative art

This Yoruba Egungun ceremonial outfit, dated between 1930 and 1950, is a testament to the vibrant and intricate traditions of the Yoruba people. The outfit, a complex tapestry of diverse fabrics and embellishments, serves as a visual representation of the Egungun, an ancestral spirit believed to embody the deceased. The intricate patchwork of colorful fabrics and decorative elements speak to the rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess of the Yoruba, highlighting their reverence for ancestors and the importance of ceremonial rituals in their social fabric. The outfit’s imposing size and elaborate design enhance the theatrical presence of the performer, further emphasizing the reverence and awe associated with the Egungun.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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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.”