egungun masquerades/costumes yoruba peoples of nigeria
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Egungun Masquerades/CostumesYoruba Peoples of Nigeria
Egungun MasqurradesEgungun costume are made of appliquéd
panels with motifs derives from Yoruba, Islamic, and European traditions. The wearer can see through the net face panel, which is adorned
with cowrie shells, beads, and coins. When performing an
acrobatic dance, he spins rapidly so the fabric panels fly out, revealing the colorful layers of
the costume.
The valuable fabrics and symbols of wealth such as cowrie shells, sequins,
and beads are outward signs of the respect due to the ancestor. Sometimes
the inscription “AYELABOLA” on the back of the costume is visible and expresses
profound regard for the moral and ethical stature of the ancestor by referring to the primordial deity, Olá, who embodies these
values.
Yoruba Textile Egungun Masqueraders
Yoruba Egugun Masqueraders