Costumes and the origin of Egúngún

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Periodical article

Title:	Costumes and the origin of Egúngún
Author:	Kalilu, R.O. Rom
Year:	1993
Periodical:	African Studies
Volume:	52
Issue:	1
Pages:	55-69
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	Yoruba masquerades ancestor worship Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/00020189308707767
Abstract:	Ancestor worship is an age-long and common tradition among the Yorùbá of Nigeria. The dead ancestors are believed to be keeping constant watch over the welfare of their living descendants. To represent and honour the spirits of the ancestors during the festivals in which they are worshipped, masquerade displays, referred to as 'Egúngún', take place. Although the word 'Egúngún' now loosely refers to all types of masquerades among the Yorùbá, in this paper it refers only to the masquerade type associated with ancestor worship. The paper examines the origin of 'Egúngún, drawing its data primarily from visual materials, notably 'Egúngún' costumes, observations in the author's hometown, Ogbomoso, and field research in some Yorùbá communities from 1984 to 1991. The conclusion is that the origin of 'Egúngún' can be narrowed down to Old Oyo, the most northern of the Yorùbá kingdoms and the neighbours of the Nupe to the southwest. 'Egúngún' was introduced to other Yorùbá groups from Old Oyo when the Oyo migrated southwards after the collapse of the kingdom in the nineteenth century. Notes, ref.