West Africa, Yoruba peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine example with nice aged patina of one of the most distinctive forms of West African masks. This is a helmet Gelede mask, made to be worn by men and to portray a range of male and female characters. It shows a face topped by an enormous comb of carefully woven hair. Kaolin mixed with soil gives it the dark color; brilliant indigo pigment, like those seen on Ibeji dolls, ring the popping eyes. A small nose and mouth as well as what appears to be a small goatee complete the face; there are also large carved ears and incised decorations around the eyes and flowing back from the eyes to the ears that may be tattooing or deliberate facial scarring. These masks are worn atop the head at festivals honoring the women of the community. The Yoruba peoples live in modern day Nigeria, Benin, and Togo in Yorubaland and are known for their distinctive masks. Size: 9" L x 7.25" W x 12" H (22.9 cm x 18.4 cm x 30.5 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.

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#117141

Age wear with dark patina to wood; remaining pigment over much of surface; cloth around the base has wear but is largely present