Unidentified Yorùbá Artist
Date:
Early 20th Century
Medium:
Wood, encrustation, and plant-fiber
Size:
Width: 6 11/16″
Height: 11″

The Aroni masquerader literally performs with one arm tied behind his back. Aroni is a forest spirit, part of a procession of miracle-working dancers at the annual celebration of the ancestors. The mask’s deep, saucer-like eyes suggest the face of a monkey. The circular, protruding cheeks echo the shape of the eyes, just as the delicate curves of the mask’s ears reprise the shape of the horns sprouting from the top. A small gourd containing spiritual medicine is balanced between the horns. The pink tongue peeking out of the movable jaws provides a clue to Aroni’s slippery nature—the spirit can either help hunters find prey or trick them into losing their way.

Purchase with Exchange Funds from Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gerofsky; Gift of Irene Gulck; Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Meyers; Gift of Dr. Joseph H. Seipp, Jr.; and Gift of Alan Wurtzburger BMA 1983.83