The ‘Gelede cult’ is widespread in the south-western settlement area of the Yoruba people, in Nigeria and beyond the border in Benin: it honours women, mothers and fertility in general. In grand annual ceremonies and processions male dancers perform, dressed in polychrome costumes and with helmet or pull-on masks, such as the present one. These masks are not worn on the face, but on the head. On the grounds of its style, the present, typical Gelede mask probably comes from the Yoruba group that inhabits the western region of the State of Benin, where it is locally known as ‘Nago’. Made of light-coloured wood, with remains of original black colouring. Skillfully and precisely executed, with beautiful plaited coiffure, slit eyes, a lip plug in the upper lip and typical tribal scarification marks on the forehead and cheeks. The mask crest consists of two birds facing forward and backward, holding two coiled snakes with zigzag patterns (pythons?) in their beaks.
An interesting old piece with good usage patina, also on the inside and at the lower edge. Some age-related damage: colour abrasion and old cracks, partly mended with wooden pegs and nails and glued.
First half of the 20th century; H: 34 cm, L: c. 32 cm. (ME)