Mask - Wood - Yoruba - Nigeria - 36 cm

The Gelede is a ceremony performed by the Yoruba-Nago community established in Nigeria, Benin and Togo. The masks are carved by the sorcerers in a chosen cylindrical piece of wood, and painted in polychrome, here green, red, white, gray. They have some common characteristics, like the globular almond-shaped eyes and the three short scarifications on the cheeks or forehead, to which the Yoruba are attached. The Gelede mask consists of two parts. The lower part represents a calm, conventional, simple and static woman's face. On the contrary, the upper part is lively and complex, linked to the creativity of the sculptor. symbol of the inner powers of women. Animals are often represented. The snake is a symbol of power and power like the cheetah, vertical knives in their sheath, and feminine qualities (patience, coolness, vigilance, witchcraft) . Some wall units have been perfectly glued, without harming the aesthetics. Nothing is missing, signs of wear, wear, button patina. The mask has been repainted (reloaded) several times, so used. Careful Colissimo shipping.