Some Brief Facts about Yorùbá Masquerade

Ẹ káàrọ̀ and Ẹ káalẹ́! Where ever you are in the world. It’s been awhile since we’ve done a culture post but ah! abeg I haven’t had the time to do my proper research but we have one for you today. ☺️

Today’s culture post is about Masquerade! Also known as “egúngún” amongst the Yoruba people. “Egúngún” (eh • goon • goon) means “powers concealed” or “dry bones (of ancestors)” and is considered to be the manifestation of the ancestors or spirits departed who are revisiting the living for celebration, blessings, and remembrance. Yorubas believe the masquerades bring messages from the dead that either bless, protect, or punish their living relatives based on how they honor them. Therefore, they are sometimes referred to as “Ara Orun” (people from Heaven). The performance usually takes place annually or biennially at festivals or to commemorate a person of importance dying in the community.

The appearance of the Egúngún is usually met with drumming, dancing, singing, wonder, and celebration. The costumes of the masquerades vary by region but are elaborate. Men dress in mask or headdress made of metals, beads, leather, bones, and other empowering materials. As well as disparate fabrics locally woven.

Masquerade originated within the Yoruba kingdom of Oyo as early at the 17th century and spread other regions of the Yoruba community. Today, many Yoruba communities have a Egúngún society that is made up of adult men and women who represents the community’s lineages.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGviQVU9dTM

#YorubaCulture#Masquerade#Egungun