Egungun is part of the family of revenants, also called Egoun-goun by the Yoruba and Kouvitos by the Gouns. They symbolise the spirit of a dead person who is thought to have returned to manifest themselves to the living.
They are for people who practice Vodou, an institution commemorating the memories of the dead. The Yorubas believe that the souls of their deceased are thus still with them. The Egungun only speak in Yoruba and are capable of the most extraordinary feats of prestidigitation. Their first appearance seems to have been in Porto-Novo and probably dates from the time when the Yorubas, during certain funeral ceremonies, brought forth revenants dressed in the manner of the deceased.
Maintaining the deceased's language, they generally report facts or messages from them.
To personalise them and be able to enjoy their protections, followers of this Vodou tradition dress the Egoun-goun in various richly adorned fabrics.
Marc Arbogast Collection, Château Vodou, 3rd floor.