Mask "gelede"
Nigéria, Yoruba
Vendu
900 €
Taille
H: 33,5 cm
H: 13.2 inch
Description
wood, black paint, white pigment, curious coiffure: a half-shaved head with a thick horn-shaped lobe on the parting, slightly dam., minor missing parts, rep. (metal clamps);
representing a royal messenger “ilari”, who can be identified by the half-shaven head. “Ilari” were eunuch slaves of the king of Oyo and acted not only as messengers but also as bodyguards, administrators and tax collectors.