Epa

Typical of Ekiti is the Epa cult, which is connected with both the ancestors and agriculture. The mask proper, roughly globular, has highly stylized features that vary little; but the superstructure, which may be 4 feet (120 cm) or more in height, is often of very great complexity—for example, a…

For example, Epa masqueraders of the Ekiti-Yoruba carry carved helmet masks with elaborate superstructures whose weight allows only the type of movement fitting the stately processional dances that confirm the masqueraders’ role of ritual leadership. Masked stilt dancers, such as those of the Makonde of Tanzania, are…