Mask (1) - Wood - Yoruba - Nigeria

GELEDE MASK OF YORUBA In the great diversity of Gelede masks, a true inventory of Yoruba rituals and traditions, here is a diviner's mask, very original and explicit. It has a double face, the outer face being removable. Its message is very rich in meaning and is addressed to the whole community during celebrations: -The inner face, which is fixed and of uniform brown colour, represents the past, which is also fixed and unchanging. -The outer face, which pivots, represents present and future, alive, mobile, open to the breath of life. Its dark colour contrasts, because present contrasts with past. Past must be forgotten in order to live fully present and future. Amazing spiral hairstyle, evoking the life movement. Beautiful patina of use, beautiful faces expression. Provenance : Private Belgian collection Certification on request Shipping : Insured, tracked and traced Pick up possible at our gallery in Brussels (Sablon)