Egungun Headdress Finial, 20th Century
Yoruba people; Nigeria
Wood, cloth and pigment; 12 x …

Headdress (Egungun) Finial

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-head ornaments-headdresses

Culture Yoruba

Date20th Century

Made AtNigeria, Africa

MediumWood, cloth and pigment

Dimensions12 × 11 × 9 1/2 in. (30.5 × 27.9 × 24.1 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur R. Thompson

Object numberF80.7.1

DescriptionAFRICAN: Ceremonial Object other than mask. Egungun Society Headdress. Wood and cloth. Yellow, black, and white. Tribal scarification on cheeks and forehead. Punctated pupils. Yoruba, Nigeria. Egungun masquerades are found in the majority of Yoruba communities and are greatly respected and feared as the spirits of the ancestors who have returned to visit the living descendants. Together with other forms of ritual masquerade they serve to regulate behavior with in the community according to the norms of the society.

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