Mask Figure (Epa), 20th Century
Yoruba culture; Nigeria, Africa
Wood; 14 × 3 1/16 × 3 3/8 in…

Mask Finial (Epa)

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-masks

Culture Yoruba

Date20th Century

Made AtNigeria, Africa

MediumWood

Dimensions14 × 3 1/16 × 3 3/8 in. (35.6 × 7.8 × 8.6 cm)
In stand: 17 5/8 × 4 3/8 × 4 11/16 in. (44.8 × 11.1 × 11.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of the Goldenberg Estate and the Sweeney Family

Object number2018.10.7

DescriptionThe wooden epa masks are worn by the Yoruba people in modern-day Nigeria during epa mask festival which occurs every two years. During the festival, four types of epa masks are used in the order of: the master of the home, the warrior king, the healer, and the powerful mother. This specific epa mask would represent the powerful mother or “Eyelase.” An epa mask and helmet are to be made of one piece of wood. This mask is significantly smaller than a standard epa mask. Its hollow base indicates that it would have been attached to a larger mask as a finial element.

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