Yoruba, Nigeria: A ‘Gelede mask’ with tall, complex crest.
The ‘Gelede cult’ is widespread in the southwestern 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 in pairs, dressed in polychrome costumes and with these crest masks on their heads (not on their faces!). The present, typical 'Gelede mask' is carved in lightweight, light-coloured wood from a single piece. With a tall, complicated ‘hat crest’ made of thick, polychrome bands (snakes?). In this sort of ‘cage’ are two birds holding red fruits in their beaks. On either side of the high band construction hangs a dagger in a sheath. All is coloured red, green, white and blue. A formally very interesting piece with usage patina at the lower edge and some age-related damage: two tears to the left and right of the mask’s ‘helmet’, with original repairs (metal clips), small pieces broken off, some bands broken and glued on the back. First half to mid-20th century; H: 36 cm. (ME)
Provenance: German private collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 1,200.- to EUR 1,400.-
Yoruba, Nigeria: A ‘Gelede mask’ with tall, complex crest.
The ‘Gelede cult’ is widespread in the southwestern 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 in pairs, dressed in polychrome costumes and with these crest masks on their heads (not on their faces!). The present, typical 'Gelede mask' is carved in lightweight, light-coloured wood from a single piece. With a tall, complicated ‘hat crest’ made of thick, polychrome bands (snakes?). In this sort of ‘cage’ are two birds holding red fruits in their beaks. On either side of the high band construction hangs a dagger in a sheath. All is coloured red, green, white and blue. A formally very interesting piece with usage patina at the lower edge and some age-related damage: two tears to the left and right of the mask’s ‘helmet’, with original repairs (metal clips), small pieces broken off, some bands broken and glued on the back. First half to mid-20th century; H: 36 cm. (ME)
Provenance: German private collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |