Headdress "gelede"
Description
wood, colour pigments, old place of repair
Fascinating object with sweeping headdress of beautifully curved bands ending in massive tassels framing the face.
Regarding the figural superstructure, Hans Witte remarked: “the superstructure seems to commemorate the coronation of an English king. The crown held by heraldic leopards imitates a european coat of arms”.
Meko (Imeko), a small town in Nigeria near the border with Benin, was an important center of woodcarving. Among the best known masters of Meko are the famous Duga (ca. 1880-1960) and his rival Mosudi Olatunji. Another well-known sculptor from Meko is Samuel Laroye, to whom the present headdress can be attributed. Another work by the artist published in Lawal,1996, p. 277, ill. 8.5.
Comparing literature
Lawal, Babatunde, The Gèlèdé Spectacle, Seattle, London 1996, p. 277, ill. 8.5Publications
AHDRC: 0110384