An Epa mask is a ceremonial mask worn by the Yoruba people of Nigeria during the Epa masquerade. Carvings representing priests, hunters, farmers, kings, and mothers are usually depicted on the masks. They are used to acknowledge important roles within the community, and to honor those who perform the roles, as well as ancestors who performed those roles in the past.[1]
When not being used during performances, Epa masks are kept in shrines where they are the focus of prayers and offerings from community elders.[1]
- ^ a b Birmingham Museum of Art (2010). Birmingham Museum of Art : guide to the collection. [Birmingham, Ala]: Birmingham Museum of Art. p. 70. ISBN 978-1-904832-77-5. Archived from the original on 2011-09-10.