Wole Lagunju, The Lugard Masquerade 2024. Oil on canvas, 84 x 66 in. Image: Montague Contemporary

In The Lugard Masquerade, Wole Lagunju masterfully blends Yoruba traditions with Western influences, inviting viewers to reflect on post-colonial African identity.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

The Lugard Masquerade by renowned Nigerian artist Wole Lagunju has rapidly become a central point of fascination for the global art community. Recently acquired by the Toledo Museum of Art, this 2024 oil on canvas masterpiece impeccably intertwines two significant historical elements—the Gèlèdé mask, a traditional Yoruba artifact, and a 1936 portrait of Frederick Lugard, the British colonial administrator who significantly shaped modern Nigeria.

By merging these contrasting images, Lagunju crafts a striking visual dialogue on identity, history, and cultural entanglement. The painting interrogates the complex intersection of colonialism and indigenous traditions. It raises deep questions about leadership’s legacy and its influence on contemporary African identity.

The Lugard Masquerade: A Key Event in Nigerian History and Culture

The Lugard Masquerade references an important historical and cultural event in Nigeria. It occurred in 1920, during the colonial period when the British enforced indirect rule over the region. The event brought together several African royals and nobles, including the Emir of Kano, who attended a masquerade ball. Attendees wore traditional royal garments and masks to conceal their identities during the ceremony.

This gathering represented the tension between British colonial rule and the preservation of traditional African customs. The Lugard Masquerade stands as a strong reminder of Nigeria’s complex history and the enduring struggles of its people.

Yoruba Heritage and Colonial Influence

At the core of The Lugard Masquerade lies the Gèlèdé mask, a sacred symbol in Yoruba culture. Traditionally used in performances honoring women with spiritual significance, the mask represents creation, fertility, and transformation. In The Lugard Masquerade, Lagunju reimagines this spiritual icon by juxtaposing it with Lugard’s portrait, a symbol of colonial rule. The superimposed Gèlèdé mask over Lugard’s image captures the tension between colonial dominance and indigenous cultural resilience.

By blending these two distinct elements, Lagunju invites viewers to reflect on how colonial histories have shaped modern identities. The painting’s background features lush green palm fronds and vivid red roses that subtly allude to Ogun, the Yoruba god of iron and war. These colors represent strength, resilience, and transformation. These rich visuals symbolize how colonialism continues to influence the formation of contemporary cultural identities.

Art at the Crossroads of Tradition and Modernity

Wole Lagunju’s The Lugard Masquerade is an important example of contemporary African art grappling with the weight of history. The artist’s work transcends mere aesthetics, sparking critical discussions on leadership, cultural identity, and the evolving complexities of tradition. The contrast between the Yoruba Gèlèdé mask and British colonial imagery is particularly insightful. It reflects how African traditions have adapted under the pressures of colonial influence.

With The Lugard Masquerade, Lagunju illustrates that Yoruba culture is not static but continually evolving, integrating past experiences into its present form. His painting challenges viewers to reconsider how historical legacies interact with modern cultural identities. By reinterpreting these visual symbols, Lagunju offers a meditation on how colonial and indigenous traditions continue to coexist in post-colonial Nigeria.

Wole Lagunju and the Ona Movement

A Nigerian-born artist now based in North Carolina, Lagunju is a key figure of the Ona movement, which emerged from the Ife Art School (now Obafemi Awolowo University). This movement focuses on blending Yoruba art forms with Western cultural symbols, a theme central to The Lugard Masquerade. Important members of this group include artists such as Moyosore Okediji, Bolaji Campbell, and Victor Ekpuk.

At Expo Chicago 2024, Lagunju’s works were prominently featured at the Montague Contemporary booth. His distinctive style, seen across six canvases, presented black male figures adorned in Gèlèdé headdresses, combined with elements of fashion, design, and nature. This layering of traditional Yoruba patterns with modern Western motifs reflects his commitment to depicting the complex interplay of cultural identity and the lasting impact of colonization.

In Ma Fo (Don’t Be Intimidated), one of his notable paintings on display at the Expo, the flora and fauna motifs on the subject’s shirt merge flawlessly with the wallpaper behind him, symbolizing the fusion of past and present. This visual integration echoes how Africa’s colonial history continues to shape modern African masculinity.

Wole Lagunju: Onaism and Cultural Commentary

Lagunju’s work stands out for its Afrofuturist vision, where he uses the past to navigate present-day cultural conversations. His genius lies in merging diverse cultural elements, traversing time and geography to redefine African heritage’s interaction with Western culture.

Lagunju’s art is deeply influenced by Onaism, where he masterfully fuses Western cultural artifacts with traditional Yoruba elements. This dynamic fusion invites viewers to question their perceptions of culture and identity. The use of the Gèlèdé mask, a recurring symbol in his work, highlights the themes of motherhood, fertility, and femininity.

Through this symbolism, Lagunju critiques the racial and social structures that dominated the 19th and 20th centuries. More importantly, he extends the conversation to how these frameworks continue to shape modern views on power, femininity, and womanhood. Lagunju’s art is not just aesthetically captivating; it is a profound commentary on cross-cultural identity.

Wole Lagunju: Global Recognition and Legacy

Lagunju began his artistic journey with a degree in Fine Arts and Graphic Design from the University of Ife in 1986. His work has since crossed borders, with exhibitions in Nigeria, the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. His pieces are in prominent institutions across the United States. They include the Denver Art Museum, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Art.

Lagunju’s ability to merge Yoruba traditions with modern global artistic trends has earned him critical acclaim. His works continue to elevate the conversation surrounding post-colonial African identity, solidifying his place among the most respected contemporary African artists.

The acquisition of The Lugard Masquerade by the Toledo Museum of Art underscores Lagunju’s enduring influence. This piece encapsulates his ongoing exploration of postcolonial African identity through a blend of historical and contemporary critique. As part of the museum’s collection, the painting provides viewers with a unique opportunity to engage with the global conversation on identity, culture, and history.

The Lugard Masquerade: Beyond Captivating Visual Experience

Wole Lagunju’s The Lugard Masquerade is more than a captivating visual experience. It opens a dialogue about African identity, highlighting the enduring impact of colonialism and the resilience of traditional cultures. Through his fusion of Yoruba symbolism with Western cultural elements, Lagunju prompts us to reflect on how the past continues to shape modern identity. This painting, now a part of a major art collection, represents the strength of tradition amid an ever-changing cultural landscape.