Gelede Mask, Wood, Colored,
Yoruba Tribe, Nigeria

Gelede Masks are worn by men for elaborate masquerade performances. These performances take place in the Spring, at the start of each agricultural season. It honors the power of women as controllers of the life force, "ase". If these powers are used destructively, women are called "aje" (witch), and it is believed that they can kill indviduals or wipe out communities. The masquerade dance is performed to please the life force (women, mothers) and to encourage rain and fertility. Dances are strictly ritual with drumming and singing.

Circa: 1612

Height: 29cm

$210

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