African Tribal Art: Yoruba People, Nigeria: Gelede mask featuring a female figure seated atop the coiffure of a large female head. Mid 20th Century. Carved wood, pigments and paint. The mask comes with a custom-made steel display stand.

Both the figure and the head bear almost identical tribal scarification marks on their cheeks and forehead. The seated figure wears a painted crown, which shows her status as a queen.

Gelede masks are worn by male Yoruba dancers at festivals honoring the women of the community, living and dead, especially the powerful Great Mothers, including both the elderly women of the community and the ancestors of Yoruba society. Through their movements, Gelede dancers express Yoruba ideals of male and female behavior.

Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private collection, New York

Dimensions: 31"H x 9"W x 14"D; 41" on stand. Good condition with abrasions and other signs of age and handling. Repair to a stress crack in the lower rim. Please inspect the photos and videos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.

***VIDEO: To see a 3D video of this item, copy and paste the link below into your search browser:
https://youtu.be/Ya41vQ56w6M

NOTE: If documentation is not listed, the lot is sold without documents.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions prior to bidding. Color fidelity of photos presented is not guaranteed. Lack of a condition statement does not imply that a lot is perfect. Please examine photos, read descriptions, and contact the Gallery with any questions prior to bidding. All sales are final. Winning bidders will be sent invoices from our gallery. Credit cards are accepted for invoices under $1000. Higher amounts must be paid by e-check or wire transfer.