Lot 54
West Africa, Nigeria or Benin, Yoruba culture, ca. 1920s CE. An early 20th century Yoruba Gelede helmet mask, carved from a single piece of wood and adorned with a highly detailed coiffure composed of radiating, chevron-patterned plaits. The serene, idealized face features almond-shaped eyes with pierced pupils, a gently projecting mouth, and delicately modeled cheeks bearing subtle scarification marks. A raised diamond motif centers the forehead, symbolically positioned to draw attention to spiritual insight and ancestral presence. Gelede masks such as this are worn by male dancers during festivals honoring the women of the community - living elders, female ancestors, and especially the revered Great Mothers (Iyami), whose powers are believed to be both creative and destructive. The Gelede association, a men's society, stages elaborate performances that combine dance, music, costume, and theater to both entertain and educate. Size: 9.8" L x 8" W x 14.5" H (24.9 cm x 20.3 cm x 36.8 cm); 19" H (48.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Through movement and character portrayal, Gelede masqueraders express Yoruba ideals of male and female behavior, celebrate the contributions of women, and humorously admonish them to use their powers for the good of the community.
In Yoruba tradition, women past childbearing age are considered to possess heightened spiritual potency. The annual Gelede festival, held at the time of planting, seeks to honor these elders and secure their benevolence for the fertility of the land and prosperity of the people. The helmet form of this mask would have been worn atop the head with a veil concealing the performer's face, complemented by a layered, mixed-media costume of textiles, beads, and other adornments.
The deep, lustrous patina of this example attests to age and ceremonial handling. Its harmonious proportions, calm expression, and richly carved headdress exemplify the refinement of Yoruba woodcarving and the enduring significance of Gelede as both an artistic tradition and a vehicle for cultural continuity.
Exhibited: "The Ralph T. Coe Legacy 'Instruments of Passion'" at The Santa Fe Show August 9-13, 2013/El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe Aug 14-30, 2013.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired in 2010 via descent; ex-private collection of Ralph T. Coe, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired via inheritance in 1959; ex-Ralph M. Coe, received as a gift ca. 1958 to 1959; ex-J.J. Klejman, West 56th Street, New York, New York, USA,
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#196345
- Condition: Professional repairs to rim with break lines visible. A few stable fissures to wood, as well as nicks and chipping in areas. Nailed to base, though one nail is missing. A few scuffs, but otherwise, very nice presentation with good remaining detail and rich patina. Old collection label on interior.
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