Egungun

By Crusader1307

In Yoruba (African) Religious Beliefs – an ''Egungun'' is a highly stylized costume worn by Shamans and their Assistants, to represent various Yoruban Deities. These costumes are very elaborate in design, often taking many months of construction to complete. They are made of cloth, wood and various types of organic materials. The costumes are painted with dyes to enhance their appearance. As is traditional among The Yoruban, the Human occupying The Egungun must never show His or Her face. It is believed when The Egungun is ''worn'' – the Wearer ''becomes'' The Deity (made so thru possession). Various Tribes and Sects wear different Egungun and various Ceremonies and Rituals require different Egungun. Each costume must be so ''blessed'' by a Shaman prior to use – and only One person may wear an Egungun. Should that person no longer participate – He or she cannot give the costume to another. It is burned by a Shaman in a Ceremony and another is constructed for a new ''Performer''. The term ''Egungun'' is also applied (often incorrectly) to the totality of The Yoruban Ceremonies.