Gèlèdé Mask (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

19th–20th century
Yoruba
wood, paint
Place Made,Nigeria, Republic of Benin
Overall: 15 5/16 × 9 × 12 3/8 in. (38.89 × 22.86 × 31.43 cm)
2006.219
.Gèlèdé headdresses are carved in an endless variety of motifs. This one may represent a royal messenger, who is sometimes shown wearing a special hairstyle that leaves some parts of the head shaven while others are not.
Gift of Robert and Nancy Nooter
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.