Nigerian Cap Mask
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https://digital.library.illinois.edu/items/d00cf910-0d92-0135-23f6-0050569601ca-fDescriptive Information
Title | Nigerian Cap Mask |
Description |
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Interpretation | Dancers wear this type of mask (efe) in the annual ceremonies of the Gelede Society. Although both men and women can be members of the Society, only men dance in the masquerades. The mask sits on top of the head, leaving the dancer's face uncovered; a bulky and brightly colored costume was worn with this mask. The Yorubans maintain strong connections with spiritual powers that connect them to their ancestors and provide continuity from generation to generation. The annual Gelede Society ceremony is one of the rituals that reinforce that link. Elderly women, known as "the mothers", are respected for their spiritual powers that can benefit or ruin the community. Gelede dancers appease the potentially dangerous powers of the mothers by paying tribute to them, encouraging them to foster the well-being of the community, and by ensuring human fertility and abundant crops. |
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Author or Creator | |
Source | Donated to the Lakeview Museum by Richard K. Meyer. |
Subject / Keywords | |
Spatial Coverage | Nigeria |
Temporal Coverage | 1900/1950 |
Collection Publisher | Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences |
Rights | Copyright Not Evaluated |
Resource Identifier | LVM1985.040.006 |
Date Created | 37419 |
Collection Title | Teaching with Digital Content (Cultural Heritage Community) |
Collection | Teaching with Digital Content (Cultural Heritage Community) |
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Nigerian Cap Mask |