Amongst the Yoruba in Nigeria and in the neighbouring state of Benin (formerly Dahomey), there exists a ‘gelede cult’ to honour women, mothers and general fertility. In this cult, men dance in pairs and in colourful mask costumes with such crested masks on their heads (not over their faces). The dancers look out under the edge of the mask.

The present, old gelede mask shows a very flat type of this mask, which is attributed to the Yoruba in Benin. The mask is carved of light, light-coloured wood and on the outside is coloured brown and red, with white and blue accents. It displays a hairstyle of three, precisely lined crests. The hairstyle is ornamented with an interlacing band, carved out from the same piece and striped with hatching. The mask face shows the typical, large Yoruba eyes with drilled, round pupils, as well as typical tribal scarification marks. A very old piece with small breaks, an early original repair (a splice at the left corner of the mouth), as well as colour scuffing on exposed areas. Very good, old, partially shiny usage patina outside and inside.

Dimensions: c. 20 cm x 24 cm x 28 cm. First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: According to information supplied by the consigner, he acquired this object in Ketu (Benin).