Senate Resolution No. 1348

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the Brooklyn Museum upon the occasion
of hosting One: Egungun on April 30, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose
commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and
entertainment world has contributed to the strength, vitality, and
cultural enrichment of their communities and the great State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Brooklyn Museum upon the occasion of hosting One: Egungun
with Kristen Windmuller-Luna, Sills Family Consulting Curator, African
Arts, and Susan Sills, Brooklyn Museum Advisory Board Member, on
Tuesday, April 30, 2019; and

WHEREAS, One: Egungun tells the life story of a 20th-century Yoruba
masquerade dance costume (egungun), from its origins in Ogbomoso,
Nigeria, to its current home in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, Composed of over 300 textiles from Africa, Europe, and
Asia, this egungun swirls into motion during festivals, honoring
departed ancestors; centuries old, egungun is still practiced in
Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and in the Yoruba diaspora; and

WHEREAS, While previously exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum, this
egungun has not been the focus of extensive research until now; in the
summer of 2018, its origins were traced back to its makers, the
Lekewogbe family; and

WHEREAS, Though no longer ritually empowered according to its
community of origin, it remains a compelling symbol of belief; by
highlighting a single egungun, this exhibition emphasizes the global
connections of African masquerades while challenging the misconception
that cultural practices are static; and

WHEREAS, Also on view are four related West African textiles and
garments, interviews with Nigerian scholars and contemporary artists,
and photographs and films of egungun festivals; a text contributed by
the Brooklyn Yoruba community brings diasporic perspective; and

WHEREAS, One: Egungun is the first Brooklyn Museum exhibition to
include wall texts in English and Yoruba; and

WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization; they are
central to human expression; they enlighten us and inspire the
imagination; educational institutions, individuals, and organizations
which further such worthy purposes richly merit the recognition and
appreciation of this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, As the Brooklyn Museum looks back with great pride to its
beginnings, viewing, with just satisfaction, its successful evolution,
it renews both its dedication to supporting artistic excellence, and its
commitment to the community it has served since 1823, expressing its
appreciation to all those who have helped to sustain and enhance it over
the years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Brooklyn Museum upon the occasion of hosting One: Egungun on
April 30, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kristen Windmuller-Luna, Susan Sills and the Brooklyn
Museum.