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Large Wood Sculpture Yoruba Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ Helmet Mask on Display Stand

Offered by: Tishu

Description
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.

More Information

Origin:	Nigeria
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	wood, steel
Condition:	Good. Well-preserved example of mid-century native piece. Stable crack lines, wear and patina throughout, small loss along the bottom helm. Expected wear on the steel stand.
Creation Date:	mid-20th century
Styles / Movements:	Tribal, African, Traditional
Patterns:	Animal/Insects, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	840606

Dimensions

W.	12 in;	H.	32 in;	D.	14 in;	H.2.	20 in;
W.	30.48 cm;	H.	81.28 cm;	D.	35.56 cm;	H.2.	50.8 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.