Helmet mask "gelede" ·  Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3032458

Description

wood, dark brown patina, small remains of white and indigo blue pigment, cantilevered crest in shape of a stovepipe hat, carved with fruits, the top worked like a lid, the inside of the hat forming a big receptacle, slightly dam., missing parts, cracks, paint rubbed off, traces of old age;
“gelede” is a cult in the southwestern Yorubaland which implores the fertility of the earth and the well-being of men. Annual celebrations are marked by elaborate dance performances, paired male and female masks worn by men who appear in rich textile costumes complete with wooden breasts.

The object Helmet mask “gelede” with the object ID 3032458 was last part of the auction 68th tribal art auction at March 3, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 391 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,300.

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