Mask "gelede"
Description
wood, shiny blackish patina, characteristic form with receding forehead and projecting mouth part, sharp cut idealized facial features, crested coiffure, characteristic scarification marks, slightly dam., rest. (helmet-shaped calotte), base;
the Yoruba word for witch is “adsche”, whereupon witches were mostly entiteled as “our mothers”, due to a mixed feeling of fear and adoration. The “mothers” are female ancestors. They have the power to awake either positive or destructive forces in every woman. The “gelede” masquerades take place in order to protect the people against these negative influences. The head of the “gelede” cult is always a woman, who is called “iyalasche” (the “mother who determines the future”). No “orisha” could ever do any good without the consent of the “mothers”. Even “shango” cannot help his followers, if he has not the allowance of the “mothers”. For every important decision, concerning the community, “iyalasche” has to be consulted. “Gelede” celebrations mostly take place short before the planting of the yams roots. First when the “mothers” are conciliated, the men are able to do the farmwork and hope for a good harvest. The ritual starts by night. A hut of palm leaves is build in the middle of the dance floor, where all the masks were kept and where “iyalasche” provides the dancers with the respective mask.