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African & Tribal Art :
Yoruba Masks : Yoruba Wooden Polychrome Egungun Headdress Mask
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Yoruba Wooden Polychrome Egungun Headdress Mask - PF.4664
Origin: Southwestern Nigeria
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
10" (25.4cm) high
x 4" (10.2cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Wood
Additional Information: closet AF12
$3,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The ability of an artist to communicate ideas
that transcend normal experience, and to make
such ideas understandable, is a hallmark of
creativity. The Yoruba culture is rich in a heritage
combining ancestral worship, belief in a
pantheon of gods and innumerable spirits.
Animals are often used as representations of
bush spirits and play a symbolic role in
important ceremonies. For instance, the gelede
society performs elaborate dance rituals wearing
masks in the form of various animals.
Within such a context we can better understand
this powerful bust, which shows a male with
enormous ears of an antelope or gazelle. These
ears shoot straight up with great force and lovely
symmetry. The man wears a head ornament
attached with a nail. Another is nailed at the
back resembling a bird. The face has marks of
ritual scarification on the cheeks and there are
traces of red paint. Almost as striking as the ears
is the intensity of the man's eyes, which stare
with unwavering penetration as if he is seeing
into another world. This bust may represent
someone of importance, such as a high priest,
chief, ancestral figure or a god. Whether he was
intended as part of ceremonies or for private
veneration, this bust communicates a wealth of
emotion which enriches our own lives.
- (PF.4664)
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