Lot 40A
West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A wooden Gelede helmet mask featuring a stylized face and an elaborate coiffure with an incised crest. The underside is concave, allowing it to rest on top of the wearer's head like a cap, the pierced rim would have suspended the rest of the costume. Gelede is a traditional masquerade and festival celebrated by the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin, dedicated to honoring and appeasing the powerful spiritual forces of women, both living and ancestral, referred to as "our mothers" (awon iya wa). This vibrant cultural practice involves colorful masks, elaborate costumes, drumming, singing, and dancing. Mask decorations vary widely, often reflecting the personality and lineage of the wearer. Size: 7" L x 10" W x 10" H (17.8 cm x 25.4 cm x 25.4 cm)
A wooden Gelede helmet mask featuring a stylized face and an elaborate coiffure with an incised crest. The underside is concave, allowing it to rest on top of the wearer's head like a cap, the pierced rim would have suspended the rest of the costume. Gelede is a traditional masquerade and festival celebrated by the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin, dedicated to honoring and appeasing the powerful spiritual forces of women, both living and ancestral, referred to as "our mothers" (awon iya wa). This vibrant cultural practice involves colorful masks, elaborate costumes, drumming, singing, and dancing. Mask decorations vary widely, often reflecting the personality and lineage of the wearer.
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection
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#189400
- Condition: Old losses and inactive insect activity across the surface that contributed to losses, especially to left side of face. Chips and abrasions to high pointed areas. Stable pressure fissures throughout. Aged and weathered with nice patina.
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