Lot 111A
**Originally Listed at $200**
Tribal, Africa, Nigeria or Benin, Yoruba, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A hand-carved Gelede helmet mask, hand-painted in red, white, and blue, and composed of two parts - the expressive mask, here an abstract visage with wide-open, blue-lined eyes, a wide nose, full red lips, eye holes for the wearer, and scarification marks, characteristically presenting an intense expression of concentration symbolizing the timelessness and infiniteness of the spirit world - and the superstructure, in this case depicting two figures dressed in cotton garments, one holding a wooden bowl, both with similar visages - nearly identical to that of the lower head - and articulated arms. Masks such as this one are traditionally worn by male Yoruba dancers at festivals honoring the women of the community, both alive and deceased, especially the highly revered Great Mothers who include both the elderly females of the community and ancestors of Yoruba society. Size: 9.75" W x 12.875" H (24.8 cm x 32.7 cm)
Gelede performances entertain and educate, their narratives and movements usually representing Yoruban ideals of male and female conduct as well as documenting interesting elements of everyday life, such as this transgression act. For the Yoruba people, Gelede masquerades are a means of celebrating and recognizing the importance of females to their society, as the Gelede society whose purpose is the maintain peace is devoted to the mother of all orishas (deities), Yemoja who represents motherhood, family, sexuality, nurturing, and protection and is viewed as the matriarchal head of the universe
Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.
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#118584
- Condition: Expected surface wear and pigment loss commensurate with age. Losses to hands of the figure without a bowl who may have held a bowl at one time. Large fissure on back of main mask that shows signs of an old repair. Fabric is tattered and shows signs of age.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |