Gèlèdé Mask (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

19th–20th Century
Yoruba
wood, paint
Nigeria, Republic of Benin
Overall: 10 1/2 × 7 3/4 × 11 1/4 in. (26.67 × 19.69 × 28.58 cm)
Overall (with stand): 15 × 7 3/4 × 11 1/4 in. (38.1 × 19.69 × 28.58 cm)
91.10.1
To prepare for the annual Gèlèdé celebration, dancers select motifs for their masks—here, the hat and veil won by Yoruba royalty. A hint of naturalism can be seen in how the contours of nose, chin, and cheekbones give shape to the veil.
Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
"Spirit of the Motherland." Roanoke: Museum of Western Virginia. September 1995- January 1996. Newport News: Peninsula Fine Arts Center: January- May 1996.
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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