The north eastern YORUBA of the EKITI area have complex masks known as EPA.
The dances for which these masks are worn , are tests of physical endurance, since these masks weight 60 to 80 pounds.
As a group , these masks are dedicated to the great EKITI carver OLEKO, who carved the first of them.
They are worn in processions to honor important EKITI ancestors.
The white and the dark side of the Janus face is an allusion to life and death.
These masks are also displayed inside of temples, where they are focus of a more quiet and intimate engagement
Epa Society