Yoruba Gelede Mask

Yoruba mask from the Gèlèdé ritual society, originating from the Abéokuta area of Nigeria, depicting a face with a feminine headdress over which a headband is crossed. The top of the mask bears a fruit tray. The mask is painted with a mineral polychromy combining the characteristic colors of Vodoun (blue, red, white, and black). The Gèlèdé society is a matriarchal society celebrating the power of women witches commonly called Ajè. The masks come out at night (ritual side) and during the day (festive and theatrical side). Each mask represents a symbolism. Here, the mask celebrates the daily life of Yoruba women who work at the market. The mask is quite old, dating back to the first half of the 20^th century, and has not been restored. It is authentic and comes from the collection of P. Terrier and was purchased at a public auction (Paris).