RARE ANTIQUE AFRICAN YORUBA EGUNGUN HEADDRESS NIGERIA For Sale

This antique traditional Egungun headdress formed part of an elaborate costumed celebration to honor ancestors during the annual festival (Odun Egungun), when the participants are possessed by visiting ancestor spirits who soon return to the spirit world.

o Carved from a single wood block

o Almond-shaped eyes

o Two protruding incisor teeth

o Large upstanding ears

o Broad beard carved along the chin

o Scarification marks on cheeks and forehead

o Attached textile fragments

• Source: Yoruba

• Region: Abeokuta, Nigeria

• Material: Wood, Black paint, white kaolin and red clay

• Estimated Age: Circa early 20th century

• Condition: Good, commensurate with age and use

16.5 in tall; 13" Depth; 9" wide