Headdress (Ẹpa) called Atófòjọ́wò (“You Can Look at It for a Whole Day”)
Moshood Olúṣọmọ Bámigbóyè · 1920–30 · Cleveland Museum of Art
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From the museum
This Ẹpa, or headdress, is called Atófòjọ́wò, which means “You can look at it for a whole day.” Look closely at its many details. The central carving shows a king on horseback surrounded by attendants. This headdress would have been worn as part of a performance for an important festival. Performing in these masks is considered a great honor for the people wearing them. Are there any important festivals, ceremonies, or traditions in your community? Performing this Ẹpa mask was an impressive feat of strength; it weighs nearly 45 pounds!
The museum’s own description, in English. Licence: CC0
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Details
- Maker
- Moshood Olúṣọmọ Bámigbóyè (Nigerian, c. 1885–1975)
- Date
- 1920–30
- Medium
- Wood and paint
- Dimensions
- Overall: 134 x 57.9 x 62.5 cm (52 3/4 x 22 13/16 x 24 5/8 in.)
- Place of origin
- Africa
- Held by
- Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · On view · 001A ArtLens Exhibition
- Credit line
- John L. Severance Fund and Gift of Mary Price