I’ve been collecting crocheted afghans from the Transfer Station. As I consider possible ways to put them together–I am looking to other artists’ work made with fabric.

The image below is of an Egungun mask from the mid-20th century created by the Yoruba Peoples of Nigeria I saw at the National Museum of African Art. According to the didactic label, “Egungun” means “powers concealed,” referring to the dancer under the costume–and to the ‘spiritual power of the ancestors it honors.’ The layers of cloth are built layer by layer–and ‘celebrate the wealth and status of all family members, living or dead.’