Egungun costume

During the annual Egungun festival, Yoruba ancestors come home. Through masked dancers, the ancestors spin and twirl around, causing the colorful panels of their costumes to fly out in all directions, giving “breezes of blessings.”

This costume is composed of two wooden frames, one above the other, from which decorated panels are suspended. The lower frame, which is supported on the wearer’s head, holds a carved wooden lion, a traditional Yoruba symbol of valor. The cowrie shell–embroidered face panel allows visibility while “juju” elements attached beneath it provide supernatural protection during the performance.

The colorful sequined and beaded panels are decorated with animal motifs and edged with sawtooth cut vinyl. If the rams and other animals—all ancient Yoruba emblems of royal power and sacrifice—look familiar, it may be because they derive from the logos of American football teams, imagery on foreign currency, or national flags.