Yoruba (Anago Region) Gelede Mask

ITEM #:
5527
ETHNICITY:
Yoruba
ORIGIN:
Nigeria
MEDIUM:
Wood, patina of age.
DIMENSIONS:
12″ (30.5 cm) x 7″ (17.8 cm)
CONDITION:
Good.
NOTE:
Display Stand Not Included.

CATALOGUE NOTE:
These somewhat idiosyncratic wooden headdresses used in Yoruba Gelede ritual dances balance symmetry and proportion. There is evidence of repainting – not unusual for headdresses that were valued and thus used and re-used. It retains a good patina from obvious age and use. There is an age-related split at the lip (left)

The human face is sensitively carved with delicate features, including compressed lips, a fine nose, large almond-shaped eyes with circular pierced pupils, and a gently sloping forehead framed by curvilinear ears. The facial features exemplify a serene, innocent and calm expression.  In view of the spiritual power attributed to Yoruba women, Gelede headdresses commonly pay tribute to priestesses and female devotees of various gods. When they appear as a couple, the mirroring of the male and female figures could be an allusion to Shango and his wife Oya, common characters in Gelede masked performance. But equally the well-balanced characteristics of this headdress might also simply represent the desire for balance in life.

Most Gelede masks have three short vertical scarification lines (pele) on the cheeks, or sometimes on the forehead of the human face. Traditionally, the Yoruba regarded such markings highly.

The Yoruba people have three major festivals at which such headdresses are used: The Efe/Gelede but also the Egungun and the Epa/Elefon ceremonies. The western Yoruba people practice the Efe/Gelede cult to celebrate the mystical power (ashe) of elderly women. Traditionally, they believe that the older women possess the power that can be used for creative or destructive purposes. 550