Fine African Art Auction
Lot 299:
Length 13 inches. Visible cracks to top area.
Nigeria, Yoruba, early 20th century. The Yoruba from Benin and Nigeria have a large range of masks. The most popular are handled by the Gelede society, which derived from worship dedicated to mothers, i.e. older women who are the most influential members of the society and who are in charge of fighting against all harmful forces. Once a year, in the spring, a large number of spectacular masquerades, composed of heavy multicolored fabrics and regalia are used to perform during the ceremony to honor the earth and women.
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