Description:

Africa, Nigeria, early 20th century CE. A hand-carved and painted wooden helmet mask featuring a ravenous monkey voraciously eating an ear of corn on top, surrounded by various protuberances around the cap form. Nice remains of red and white pigment grace the surfaces as well. Perforations at the peripheries presumably for attaching further ornamentation. Size: 9.25" W x 9.125" H (23.5 cm x 23.2 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, such as this transgression act. For the Yoruba people, Gelede masquerades are a means of celebrating and recognizing the importance of females to their society, as the Gelede society whose purpose is the maintain peace is devoted to the mother of all orishas (deities), Yemoja who represents motherhood, family, sexuality, nurturing, and protection and is viewed as the matriarchal head of the universe.

Provenance: ex-Nick Poolos collection, Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired before 1970

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#113622

  • Condition: Age cracks. Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Perforations around peripheries and atop the monkey's back for additional ornamentation.

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November 21, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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