Egúngún Mask (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
Like all masks, the Egúngún costume conceals its wearer’s identity because it is meant to reveal instead the presence of a person or spirit that is otherwise unseen.
Because different Egúngún costumes belong to specific families, the headdresses for some costumes are carved with subjects relevant to a particular family and its ancestors. Family members sometimes add strands of cowrie shells to the costume to show their wealth.
Egúngún masks only appear in the context of sound and movement,so it is impossible to experience their full effect in a gallery setting. To see a mask like this one in action, watch the video “Experience Africa” in the African Gallery Video Theater.
Because different Egúngún costumes belong to specific families, the headdresses for some costumes are carved with subjects relevant to a particular family and its ancestors. Family members sometimes add strands of cowrie shells to the costume to show their wealth.
Egúngún masks only appear in the context of sound and movement,so it is impossible to experience their full effect in a gallery setting. To see a mask like this one in action, watch the video “Experience Africa” in the African Gallery Video Theater.
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Hammer
© artist or artist’s estate
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.