African Tribal Art: Yoruba People, Nigeria: Helmet mask of the Gelede, a men's association honoring the special powers of women. This Gelede mask features the elegantly elongated and stylized head of a Queen. Early 20th Century. Carved wood with brown stained skin and dark-stained coiffure and facial scarification. The finely carved hair retains evidence of blue pigment. Along the bottom rim, the edges of multiple holes are worn smooth from their former attachments. There is a split running up one side. The mask comes with a custom-made steel stand.

A comparable mask is shown in African Art In American Collections, Schiffer, page 231, plate 593.

Dimensions: 13H x 9W x 18D; 24.5H on stand. (inches)

Provenance: From the private collection of Massachusetts Gentlemen.

NOTE: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.

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

Dimensions: See Description Good condition. Minor abrasions and other signs of handling. There is a split on one side of the mask, as can be seen in the photos. The inside shows wood desiccation.
Note: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.

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

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