Ejumba (Horned) Mask
Ejumba, ca. 1942, woven plant fibers, bovine horns, leather, mussel shells, seeds, 35 cm, Formerly collection of Josef Mueller, Musee Barbier-Mueller, Geneva (Photograph provided by Spirits Speak)
Made of woven fiber, this full faced mask called the Ejumba was founded by the people in the Casamance region of Southwestern Senegal called the Diola people.[1] The mask that you see above is a good example of the Ejumba mask, with raffia coming down the middle of the mask to divide it into two. [1] It also has horns added to its top, giving it the other name of Horned mask. [1] These horns are probably one of the more vital characteristics of this mask because it’s the most recognizable features presented on it. [1] Not only are the horns vital to the mask but so is the fringe that hides the body of the embodied dancer. [1]
These types of masks have been used for several years at the initiation ceremonies such as the Bukut celebration. [1] This celebration is part of the traditional male initiation ceremony of the Diola people. [1] The initiation ceremony though, is only done once every generation. [1] These masks are secretive to the outside world because they are powerful objects and are signs of masculinity. [1] They are used to teach the initiates how to represent themselves properly within their society, making these masks important to the Diola people. [1]
1. Mark, Peter. 1987. The Senegambian Horned Initiation Mask: History and Provenance. Art Bulletin. 69, no. 4: 627-641