Details
Description
A striking carved wood Yoruba Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ Helmet Mask on custom display stand circa mid-20th century. From Nigeria, Africa, these large …
Read more
A striking carved wood Yoruba Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ Helmet Mask on custom display stand circa mid-20th century. From Nigeria, Africa, these large elaborate and colorful headdresses were traditionally worn by male dancers in festivals honoring the spiritual power, wisdom, and fertility of elderly women (the mothers), in Yoruba culture. The mask on offer strikes the viewers with detailed facial features that border on the fantastical and fierce side. Her mouth opens widely with the tongue sticking out and all teeth exposed. The intricately carved coiffures is a crown of four monkeys with similarly fierce expression. Monkeys on Yoruba Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ masks symbolize the cunning and witty quality of women. This motif correlates with the female's facial expression and together they project a specific power of the women as the ritual ceremony takes place.
The headdress was brightly painted in polychrome and displayed on a custom steel stand. Examining the piece, it was evident that this is NOT a tourist piece, but it was used in native setting. There are evidence of patina and wear throughout the piece. Holes that would have hold the raffia fibers, chips and scrapes from handling. It was purportedly from the Townson University Art Collection in Maryland.
See less
- Dimensions
- 12ʺW × 14ʺD × 32ʺH
- Styles
- Traditional
- Tribal
- Art Subjects
- Figure
- Period
- Mid 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- Nigeria
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Steel
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Yellow
- Condition Notes
- General wear consistent with age and use. General wear consistent with age and use. less
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
Related Collections
- Lime Sculpture
- Mathurin Moreau Sculpture
- Parchment Sculpture
- Far Pavilions Sculpture
- Georgian Sculpture
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze Finish Sculpture
- Maison Jansen Sculpture
- Photorealism Sculpture
- Chaim Gross Sculpture
- David Palombo Sculpture
- Boris Lovet-Lorski Sculpture
- Polycarbonate Sculpture
- Gourd Sculpture
- Recycled/Repurposed Sculpture
- Straw Sculpture
- Constantin Brancusi Sculpture
- Fernando Botero Sculpture
- Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse Sculpture
- Hagenauer Werkstätte Sculpture
- Peter Shire Sculpture
- Austin Productions Sculpture
- Mid-Century Modern Sculpture
- Brutalist Sculpture
- Alabaster Sculpture
- Folk Art Sculpture