**First Time At Auction**

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A tall and finely-detailed carved wooden Gelede mask, hand-painted in red, white, and blue hues. The overall form is elongated and conical, with a squat face comprised of perforated almond-shaped eyes, a broad nose, and angular lips; three identifiable sets of scarification marks are visible on the cheeks and wide forehead. The facial expression, serious and intensely-concentrating, is indicative of the symbolic nature governing the timelessness and infiniteness of the spirit world. The headdress extends upwards in multiple sets of concentric layers, with a tall and curved crest on the obverse and a stylized bow on the verso. The interior is carved out to allow for wear during ceremonies and rituals. Size: 14" H (35.6 cm).

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

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#126023

Chips and losses to facial features, bow on verso, and painted details. Age-commensurate surface wear, some chips and perforation holes, with light earthen deposits and some mineral deposits throughout.