Description:

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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#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.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

October 11, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000