African Tribal Art

Yoruba Gelede Polychrome Wood Mask

Culture: Yoruba
Origin: Nigeria
Object: Mask
Materials: Wood, Pigment
Dimensions: 26.7 × 12.7 × 12.7 cm
Catalogue: TRB-105

A polychrome carved wood mask used in gelede, a masked festival performed in veneration of the iyami, the powerful older women of the community. Egbado Yoruba communities perform gelede annually, formally recognising the powers of the iyami and soliciting their benevolence for the prosperity of the town.

Provenance

Private collection, Bloomfield Township, Michigan.

Acquired

DuMouchelles · 2023