Oloolu Masquerade

DESCRIPTION This is a handmade wood sculpture of a Yoruba masquerade called Oloolu and its talking drum player. Masquerades also known as "Egungun" in Yorubaland are traditional events involving masked dancers that embody different spirits. This is a popular practice found in several African cultures and serves as a means of connecting the people to their long gone ancestors who appear in form of human-spirit to give warnings and shower blessings on their lands. They happen during festivals, ceremonies, or rituals and can involve songs, dances, drama, and poetry. Masquerades reclaim the African heritage that was lost during colonial times, by embracing the spirit of African culture and customs and giving meaning to aspects of Africa’s history. Masquerades provide entertainment, define social roles, and communicate religious meaning. Every masquerade has a bearer that wears the traditional masks/outfit and embodies different spirits to perform the rites. The masks used in such performan