Egungun mask
Yoruba · Nigeria
Reference: MCYC-15
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- Height
- 60 cm
- Material
- Wood and polychrome.
It represents the wife of Obatala, an orisha of the Earth surrounded by her children. Obatala is the god who shapes the bodies in the womb…
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Full original description
It represents the wife of Obatala, an orisha of the Earth surrounded by her children. Obatala is the god who shapes the bodies in the womb before Olorum gives them the breath of life that leads them to life.
This great mask is at the same time an altar. Some remains of their polychrome remain. Both the mother and the children are kneeling while a bird pecks on the mother's head.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- First third century XX
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Nigeria. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
