Yoruba Mask

$420

The Yoruba ethnic group makes up over 10 million people in the African country of Nigeria. These people believe in making offering to their ancestors and reincarnation. They have different gods (Orisha) like Ifa god of divination, Eshu /Elegba god of tricks, Ogun god of iron and war, and shango god of lighting and thunder.1

The masquerading groups do not just perform masking ceremonies to appease their gods or ancestors. They also conduct rituals with mask to bestow health, wealth, protection, from witches and issues related to women. Men are the sculptors of the mask but women share responsibilities as do with the men. The women dye cloth, make pottery, and do weaving, these are the soft arts. The hard arts like chiseling are mostly for men, Women are mild, more inhibited, secretive, and have more willpower. However they are said to have the capacity for destruction.

For the people of Yoruba mask are divided into two genders. The male engendered mask tends to be darker asymmetrical and uglier. The female mask tend to be lighter complexion, prettier, and with a straighter nose. In addition maskers at the ceremonies wear women’s mask and clothes while women of the village look on and do not participate.
The Yoruba care a great deal about their appearance. Being well groomed fits in the total package of fashion, attire signals to others one’s wealth and prominence. In the past Yoruba had a cast system that signified one’s attire with the king receiving the best garment and then the subjects receiving the second best to the commoners wearing grass skirts .2

Journals
Simon Ottenberg, “Igbo and Yoruba Art Contrasted”, African Arts Vol.16, No.2 (Feb. 1983), p.48-55
Justine M. Cordwell, “The Art and Aesthetics of the Yoruba”, African Arts Vol.16, No.2 (Feb. 1983), p.56-59