This is the rating and price for Yoruba Gelede Wood Belly Mask

Description : **First Time At Auction** West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba, ca. early to mid-20th century. A hand carved wooden fertility / birthing body mask worn during Gelede celebrations, rendered in the form of a pregnant belly with the baby's head and arms protruding, portraying a birth. Similar belly masks can be found in other African cultures such as the Makonde, painted and/or carved with additional symbols such as snakes! Such masks are worn on the belly of the dancers, during the related ceremonies with fertility and birth. Gelede performances usually relate to women and motherhood. Size: 19.5 L x 11.5 W (49.5 cm x 29.2 cm) Gelede performances entertain and educate, their narratives and movements usually representing Yoruban ideals of male and female conduct as well as documenting interesting elements of everyday life, such as this transgression act. 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: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection, ex-Arte Primitivo 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. #178033
Price: 569.25 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 700 USD-1050 USD It's free to register now to view!

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