These masks often represent fertile
women with at least 1 child, signifying
the Yoruba preoccupations with children
& large families. The festivals for Epa are
found in the northeastern area of Yoruba
land. This cylindrical helmet mask (Ikoko)
is surmounted by a standing female figure with elongated downturned breasts
& a splayed child on her back. The object in her right hand is the handle of a
fly whisk, she wears a necklace of beads,
and the large conical hairstyle are all
symbols of royalty or chieftancy.
Although female chiefs are rare, they
do occur in several Yoruba towns. The
masks are worn over their head by men
in order to represent the ancestors of the
family that owns the mask. The mask is
danced in joyous processions, or knelt
before the family shrine to acknowledge
the presence of the deceased, & the values that he or she embodied is reiterated to the worshippers. It glorifies heroes and affirms the family history & values.
This particular Epa mask is from the Douglas Fraser collection. Douglas Fraser was a professor of art history and archaeology at Columbia University and was one of the world's leading authorities on primitive art.
Please inquire for price.
33.5"H x 9.5"W x 10.5"D
These masks often represent fertile
women with at least 1 child, signifying
the Yoruba preoccupations with children
& large families. The festivals for Epa are
found in the northeastern area of Yoruba
land. This cylindrical helmet mask (Ikoko)
is surmounted by a standing female figure with erlongated downturned breasts
& a splayed child on her back. The object in her right hand is the handle of a
fly whisk, she wears a necklace of beads,
and the large conical hairstyle are all
symbols of royalty or chieftancy.
Although female chiefs are rare, they
do occur in several Yoruba towns. The
masks are worn over their head by men
in order to represent the ancestors of the
family that owns the mask. The mask is
danced in joyous processions, or knelt
before the family shrine to acknowledge
the presence of the deceased, & the values that he or she embodied is reiterated to the worshippers. It glorifies heroes and affirms the family history & values.
This particular Epa mask is from the Douglas Fraser collection. Douglas Fraser was a professor of art history and archaeology at Columbia University and was one of the world's leading authorities on primitive art.
33.5"H x 9.5"W x 10.5"D
