Helmet mask "gelede"
Nigeria, Yoruba, Ota
not available anymore
Provenance
Emil Storrer, Zurich, Switzerland (1970s)Size
H: 35 cm
H: 13.8 inch
Description
light wood, middle brown patina, white, red and black pigment, characteristic form with receding forehead and projecting mouth part, sharp cut facial features, lamellar scarifications, eyes, nose and ears with drilled holes, dam. (ears, upper lid, nose), cracks, paint rubbed off, rest. (left rim);
the depicted hairstyle is worn by devotees of the goddess “nana”, when they have prepared for a state of trance in order to experience the spirit of the goddess.