Mask "gelede" ·  Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3034857

Description

wood, greyish black patina, kaolin, the facial plane decorated with delicate incised patterns (rhombs and triangles), which are accentuated by indigo blue pigment, asymmetrical crested coiffure with striped pattern, dam. (rims), missing parts (above all at the lower rim, head);
“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, at which male and female mask figures appear, while both are exclusively danced by men who wear rich textile costumes complete with wooden breasts.

The object Mask “gelede” with the object ID 3034857 was last part of the auction 73rd tribal art auction at May 25, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 281.

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