African, Nigeria, Yorubaland

early 20th century

cloth

63 x 64 x 19"

Designed to represent Yoruba ancestral spirits, egungun masquerade costumes are typically brought to life by male performers for annual festivals to pay homage to departed relatives and supernatural beings. On display here is a partial costume, composed of netting, buttons, and hundreds of strips of local and imported cloth. The vibrant, trailing swaths of fabric are constructed to whirl with exaggerated movements during elaborate dance routines augmented by drumming and singing. In addition to motion, an accompanying mask would help complete the ensemble, conveying the personality of the represented spirit.

early 20th century

Gift of Theresa Littlefield

2009.003.001