Mask "gelede"
Nigeria, Yoruba
not available anymore
Size
H: 35,5 cm
H: 14.0 inch
Description
light brown wood, greyish brown patina, remains of paint, helmet-shaped, the facial features concentrated on a small area, provided with drilled pupils and cheek scarifications, surmounted by a crown-like headgear, rep. (headgear), min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion, small missing parts;
the “gelede” ceremonies in the southwestern Yorubaland implore the fertility of the earth and the well-being of men. But the society also honors the creative and potentially destructive powers of women, the community of female powers of the cosmos and their social parts, life in a Yoruba town depends upon.