This is the rating and price for Early 20Th C. Yoruba Gelede Mask, Birdcage Headress

Description : Africa, Nigeria or Benin, Yoruba, ca. early 20th century CE. A skillfully carved and meticulously painted Gelede helmet mask composed of two parts - the expressive mask, here an abstract male face with bold features, scarification marks, and a beard - the visage presenting an intense countenance of immense focus and concentration symbolizing the timelessness and infiniteness of the spirit world - and the superstructure, in this case an elaborate headdress resembling a birdcage with four separately carved birds, sky animals that represent the celestial realm, perching on top. Masks such as this one are usually worn by male Yoruba dancers at festivals honoring the women of the community, both alive and deceased, especially the highly revered Great Mothers who include both the elderly females of the community and ancestors of Yoruba society. Similar examples may be found in fine museum collections such as the African Art Museum and the Brooklyn Museum. Size: 10.75 in diameter x 18 H (27.3 cm x 45.7 cm) Gelede performances entertain and educate, their narratives and movements representing Yoruban ideals of proper male and female conduct as well as documenting interesting elements of everyday life, such as this fabulous avian-inspired headdress. For the Yoruba people, Gelede masquerades are a means of celebrating and recognizing the importance of females to their society, as the Gelede society whose purpose is the maintain peace is devoted to the mother of all orishas (deities), Yemoja who represents motherhood, family, sexuality, nurturing, and protection and is viewed as the matriarchal head of the universe. Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #118535
Price: 498.00 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 900 USD-1500 USD It's free to register now to view!

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