Egungun , 20th century
100 x 22 in (h x w)
Cloth, Wood, Metal

Masquerades for the ancestors are known as 'egungun' (power concealed). The body of dancer is completely covered by layer upon layer of cloth. On occasion one can tell the age of a masquerade by examination of the clothes used, since it is not unusual for new cloths to be added each year. The under layers of this costume reveal very old indigo dyed cloth made of homespun cotton.

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