African Art at the
Ralph Proctor Gallery"Nigerian Traditional Artifacts"
Ceremonial Mask
- country: Nigeria
- people: Yoruba
- medium: wood, paint
- size: 13" x 7" x 12"
- inventory #: rpg0919
- price: $500. SOLD
This mask belonged to the Gelede society, whose function is to protect the village from witches and sorcerers. They are danced in identical pairs at rituals and public ceremonies. It is a helmet mask worn on top of the dancer's head. The dancer's face is covered with a translucent cloth, and his entire body is covered.