wood, pigments, rest.

Among the Ekiti and Igbomina people of north-eastern Yorubaland, masked festivals lasting several days are still held at annual or biennial intervals, known as "epa" in the northern area and "elofon" in the southern region.

The mask motifs and the sequence of masked dancers during the performance are almost identical throughout the "epa" - "elofon" area.
The beginning of the festival is marked by the appearance of "oloko", the "owner of the farm", whose superstructure carries a leopard (that often kills an antelope). He is followed by "jagun-jagun", the warrior and "olosanyin", the healer. The festivities end with the appearance of a mask showing a female figure, usually a mother with children ("olomoyeye").

The base of the masks ("ikoko") is usually a double-faced helmet with stereotypical features and geometric shapes, and the artists are bound by precise specifications in their design.

The motifs on the masks as well as the performances of the dancers and the accompanying songs are intended to keep the memory of historical figures and events alive, and to bring to mind the cultural values and achievements of society, ultimately stabilising the community and ensuring its well-being.
H: 62 cm; 70 cm (with tail), H: 24,4 inch; 27,6 inch

Provenance:
Alfons Bermel, Berlin, Germany
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 21 September 2002, Lot 254
Werner Zintl, Worms, Germany

Published In:
Zemanek, David, "Nigeria, Kult und Ritus", Würzburg 2002, S. 43, ill. 34

AHDRC: 0183904

Lit.: Eisenhofer, Stefan (Hg.), Kulte, Künstler, Könige in Afrika, Linz 1997, p. 242

See description