Large Wood Sculpture Yoruba Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ Helmet Mask on Display Stand

A striking carved wood Yoruba Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ Helmet Mask on custom display stand circa mid-20th century. From Nigeria, Africa, these large elaborate and colorful headdresses were traditionally worn by male dancers in festivals honoring the spiritual power, wisdom, and fertility of elderly women (the mothers), in Yoruba culture. The mask on offer strikes the viewers with detailed facial features that border on the fantastical and fierce side. Her mouth opens widely with the tongue sticking out and all teeth exposed. The intricately carved coiffures is a crown of four monkeys with similarly fierce expression. Monkeys on Yoruba Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ masks symbolize the cunning and witty quality of women. This motif correlates with the female's facial expression and together they project a specific power of the women as the ritual ceremony takes place.
The headdress was brightly painted in polychrome and displayed on a custom steel stand. Examining the piece, it was evident that this is NOT a tourist piece, but it was used in native setting. There are evidence of patina and wear throughout the piece. Holes that would have hold the raffia fibers, chips and scrapes from handling. It was purportedly from the Townson University Art Collection in Maryland.