African Art at the
Ralph Proctor Gallery"Yoruba Art"
Gelede Headdress
- country: Nigeria
- people: Yoruba
- medium: wood, paint
- size: 20x15x21 inches
- price: $1500
- inventory #: rpg0247
This very old Gelede mask was danced with an identical mask in ceremonies to protect the village from witches and sorcerers. It was also used in public ceremonies to honor royalty. In order to be used in another ceremony it would have to be repainted, since all Gelede masks are polycolored. This is a female mask with cooking pots and fire wood on the superstructure.