Costume

Egungun is a performative manifestation of an ancestor who returns to his community for remembrance, celebration and blessings. This originally Yoruba tradition is also significant among the African diaspora, particularly in Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Barbados and the United States. These spirits constantly bless, protect, warn and punish their earthly relatives, depending on how well these relatives neglect or honour them. Egungun costume masks and regalia were traditionally assembled from highly prized pieces of cloth, usually with the help of a specialized tailor and a ritual specialist. This contemporary outfit is composed of a series of braided tassels and panels covered in spangles that reflect light and shine as the Egungun is performed. It is most effective in motion, when the ancestor acts, rather than in a static display. Egungun celebrates asa, the freshness and novelty of creative innovation, while upholding the sacred tenets and conventions of the past.

Tchuemegne said he purchased the costume from Chief Emeka, in Oyo. The costume was used in an Egungun celebration.

Egungun costume. One-piece mask and costume; the cloth mask, with a circular frame, is made of black velvet-like material. Metallic, silver scalloped ribbons decorate the sides and back. The front of the mask is made of a cowrie shell embroidered mesh panel, with wide gaps between the rows where the eyes would be. In the centre of the mesh panel is a hanging strand of cowrie shells and painted beads, with a small bell at the end. Strand secured to panel with plant fibre. A small red, stuffed ball is attached to the bottom centre of the panel. Along the forehead of the mask, above the cowrie shells, is a wide curvilinear motif done in sequins and beads. Fabric covered square board is stitched to the top of the mask. It has a central floral motif and short brown fringe along its edges. Heavily beaded panels hang from all sides of the board- three on the front and each side, one along the back. Panels depict curvilinear, geometric and animal motifs in sequins and beads. Back panel has “AYÏBAMA” written across it. All are lined with orange cotton. Bottom of mask has a frilled collar. Collar made of dark green velvet-like material with metallic gold ribbons, red trim and thick white and red fringe. Underneath the collar, attached to the front and back of the mask, are two weighted bags. Extending from the bags are three layers of long lappets. The top layer is covered entirely in sequins and beads. The designs are geometric, animal and curvilinear. The second and third layers are made of velvet-like material and have geometric, linear and curvilinear motifs. All beaded lappets are trimmed with metallic red zigzag ribbons. First layer of velvet-like lappets are trimmed with silver zigzag ribbons, second layer trimmed with gold zigzag ribbons. All lappets are lined with machine-printed cotton that have frog designs across them. Underneath all of the lappets is a plain red cloth, trimmed with a black zigzag ribbon.