Africa, Nigeria or Benin, Yoruba, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A hand-carved Gelede helmet mask, hand-painted in red, white, blue, black, and pink hues and composed of two parts - the expressive mask, here an abstract visage with wide-open, blue-lined eyes, a wide nose, full red lips, and scarification marks, characteristically presenting an intense expression of concentration symbolizing the timelessness and infiniteness of the spirit world - and the superstructure, in this case depicting four tall, feather or blade-shaped protrusions (perhaps representing a type of prestige blade that was not a weapon, but rather a symbol of rank), and a standing figure before each pair, one male and one female. Masks such as this one are traditionally worn by male Yoruba dancers at festivals honoring the women of the community, both alive and deceased, especially the highly revered Great Mothers who include both the elderly females of the community and ancestors of Yoruba society. Size: 10.125" W x 12.25" H (25.7 cm x 31.1 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-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired prior to 1970

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#122136

Normal surface wear with minor pigment loss and areas of encrustation. Age cracks and losses, particularly to protruding areas, as shown. Perforations around periphery presumably for attaching adornments or other costume elements.