Whirling Paka Mask

As the dance of the Egungun Paka mask becomes more ecstatic, the vibrant fabric panels of its costume begin to fly around, turning the mask into a blur of color. The Yoruba believe that the touch of this ancestor mask can spell death; they also say that anyone who dares come close enough to experience the breeze stirred up by the whirling dance of an Egungun mask will be blessed with good fortune.