Iya wo (Wife and Mother) Mask and Costume for a "Being from Beyond"
2000
These two seated characters are Egungun, or "beings from beyond," who bring the spirits of powerful people back to visit and reassert their influence. This mother is often the last spirit to emerge in a performance, adding her serious comedy to conclude the visit. Carefully seated with her baby in her lap, she appears to be a committed and loving mother.
Suddenly, however, when she spots a handsome man nearby, she tosses the baby in the air and forgets all about her maternal obligations so she can flirt with him. This hilarious role reversal signals that it is time for the Egungun to return to the other world.
Cotton and silk cloth, string, beads, amulets of velvet and leather, wood, commercial gardening gloves, and metal ornaments
Seated, approx.: 58 x 42 x 23 in.
Necklace: 16 x 9 x 1"
Doll: 67 x 15 x 4"
Mask/headdress: 19 x 10 1/2 x 5"
Gloves: 9 x 7"
Breast plate: 67 x 27 x 4"
Pants: 38 x 22"
Cloth: 44 x 74"
Shirt: 55 x 22"
Cloth: 28 x 80"
Cloth: 19 x 74"
General Acquisition Fund
2001.38