Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A fine example of a hand-carved wooden helmet mask, featuring an anthropomorphic face with a large headdress. The squat visage has slit form eyes, a short, flared nose with drilled nostrils, and slightly protruding lips. Rows of scarification marks are etched into the cheeks and brows. The ears are naturalistically rendered with curved lobes. The headdress is topped by an elongated, drum-shaped finial with a circular front and protruding square knobs. The surface is detailed with white, red, and gray pigments. This type of helmet mask was made to be worn by men to portray a range of male and female characters. An impressive example with great craftsmanship and charm! Size: 11" L x 7.5" W x 8" H (27.9 cm x 19 cm x 20.3 cm)

Gelede performances entertain and educate, their narratives and movements usually representing Yoruban ideals of male and female conduct as well as documenting interesting elements of everyday life.

Provenance: private Arcadia, California, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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#162078

  • Condition: Chipping and fading of pigments. Stable fissures and surface abrasions. Great details!

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February 25, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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