Egungun Headdress (Ere Egungun) Yoruba African Start Price USD 1,500.00 Current Price USD 1,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, October 04, 2008 End Time Monday, November 03, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Egungun Headdress (Ere Egungun) Yoruba African' Description Egungun Headdress (Ere Egungun)-Yoruba Type of Object: Egungun Headdress (Ere Egungun)Ethnic Group: YorubaCountry of Origin: South-West region of Nigeria and Benin.Materials: Wood pigment and ClothApproximate Age: First-Half Twentieth CenturyDimensions: Height is 13.5 inchesOverall Condition: Good. usedDamage, Repair: None Additional Information: Among the Yoruba of Nigeria, masqueraders known as Ere Egungun dance to represent and celebrate the ancestors known as Ara Orun - or Beings from beyond. This headdress comes from the Itoko quarter of Abeokuta known for the imagery and style of Egungun mask carving done within that quarter of the city. This particular style of mask features large ears with a rabbit between them, interlaced geometric markings on the front plane of the ears and drums bridging the space between the ears and on the back of the mask. Facial markings ally it to the area of Abeokuta and to the Yoruba deity Eshu (Esu) who himself is a messenger to the gods and often portrayed as a rabbit. This age and obvious long use of this mask can be seen by the pigment on the surface of the face filling in the details the eyes, facial markings and the zig-zag pattern on the ears. It must be kept in mind that this wonderful carving would surmount a large costume of different colored cloths completely covering the dancer's body and thereby creating the sense of mystery and awe so integral to the appearance of Egungun. The dancer would be completely covered by the cloth with their face covered by cloth netting to allow them see while dancing.Egungun masquerades were noted as early as 1826 and the tradition continues among the Yoruba today combining long established traditions and contemporary imagery. This old and well carved mask follows in that tradition. Recommended Reading: Drewal, H.J., J. Pemberton, R. Abiodun, Yoruba; Nine Centuries of African Art and Thought . 1989.Thompson, R. F., Black Gods and Kings 1971.**013357** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!