Yoruba, Nigeria: an old ‘Gelede mask’.
The ‘Gelede cult’ is widespread in the south-western settlement area of the Yoruba people, in Nigeria (on the border of Benin). The purpose of this cult is to honour women, mothers and fertility. During processions and ceremonies male dancers perform in colourful costumes. The ‘Gelede masks’ are worn in pairs, on top of the head (not in front of the face).
The present ‘Gelede mask’ is made of lightweight, brown wood and dyed brown. It displays a tall crested coiffure that has been carefully crafted and partly dyed black. The face of the mask shows remaining blue and white accentuation. This is a characteristic, impeccably crafted example of a ‘Gelede mask’. It has some small, old breakages, some colour abrasion, a small crack on the back, as well as a beautiful and, in parts, shiny usage patina on the outside as well as on the inside. It is a wonderful, visibly very old, item. Height: 23 cm; length: 30 cm. First third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian Collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
09.06.2016 - 17:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 1,000.-
Yoruba, Nigeria: an old ‘Gelede mask’.
The ‘Gelede cult’ is widespread in the south-western settlement area of the Yoruba people, in Nigeria (on the border of Benin). The purpose of this cult is to honour women, mothers and fertility. During processions and ceremonies male dancers perform in colourful costumes. The ‘Gelede masks’ are worn in pairs, on top of the head (not in front of the face).
The present ‘Gelede mask’ is made of lightweight, brown wood and dyed brown. It displays a tall crested coiffure that has been carefully crafted and partly dyed black. The face of the mask shows remaining blue and white accentuation. This is a characteristic, impeccably crafted example of a ‘Gelede mask’. It has some small, old breakages, some colour abrasion, a small crack on the back, as well as a beautiful and, in parts, shiny usage patina on the outside as well as on the inside. It is a wonderful, visibly very old, item. Height: 23 cm; length: 30 cm. First third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Austrian Collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
|
Buyers hotline
Mon.-Fri.: 10.00am - 5.00pm
kundendienst@dorotheum.at +43 1 515 60 200 |
| Auction: | Tribal Art - Africa |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 09.06.2016 - 17:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 04.06. - 09.06.2016 |