Gèlèdé Mask (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

20th century
Yoruba
wood, paint
Place Made,Nigeria, Republic of Benin
Overall: 44 3/4 × 19 1/2 × 16 in. (113.67 × 49.53 × 40.64 cm)
80.168
On these two remarkably large carved and painted wooden masks, a man and woman of high status ride on horseback with great ceremony, each under a large umbrella and surrounded by a procession of retainers bearing gifts and playing instruments. Dancing in pairs, Gèlèdé masks entertain the community. Even when they are not performing, these fabulous masks provide a pageant-like spectacle.
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick LaSor
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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