Vintage Yoruba Gelede Masquerade Mask Maiden Figure Carved Wood Nigeria African

Description

View Vintage Yoruba Gelede Masquerade Mask Maiden Figure Carved Wood Nigeria African with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. This is a spectacular and historically important opportunity to acquire an authenticYoruba Gelede Masquerade Mask fromNigeria. The Yoruba Gelede Mask is defined by its artistic detail and rich symbolism. Authentic  Danced  Ceremonial Artifact from Nigeria (West Africa) This is a spectacular and historically important opportunity to acquire an authentic  Yoruba Gelede Masquerade Mask from  Nigeria . Carved from light wood, the mask is a superb representation of the idealized beauty and grace celebrated in Gelede performances, which are dedicated to honoring the powerful spiritual forces of women ("Our Mothers"). Its striking ochre-colored face, expressive smile, and  masterfully carved, braided coiffure  make this a museum-quality piece of African art. ITEM: VINTAGE Yoruba  Gelede Masquerade Mask  (Beautiful Maiden Figure) This visually stunning artwork is firmly attributed to the  Yoruba people  of  Nigeria  (West Africa). The mask is carved from a single piece of wood and designed to be worn over the face as part of the full Gelede costume ensemble. Dimensions:  Approximately  13 inches tall  (including hair) x  8 inches wide  x  5 inches deep . (Note: Display stand is not included). The Yoruba Gelede Mask is defined by its artistic detail and rich symbolism: Idolized Beauty (Oju-rewa):  The mask embodies the Yoruba concept of beauty and character (often translating as "good face"). It features a smiling mouth that reveals small, carved teeth, wide eyes, and subtle facial scarification (the black marks below the eyes) that signify cultural identity and enhancement. Symbolic Coiffure:  The most prominent feature is the  deeply carved, elaborate braided hairstyle . In Yoruba culture, a meticulously crafted coiffure symbolizes social status, virtue, and civilization, central themes in the Gelede performances honoring ancestral mothers. Vibrant Pigmentation:  The face is painted with a warm  ochre/earthy brown  pigment, traditionally used to signify healthy, glowing skin, contrasted by the  deep black  of the hair and accent features. Ritual Context (Gelede):  This mask was actively used in the  Gelede society's  night and day masquerades. These performances use beauty, dance, and song to praise and placate female spiritual power, ensuring the fertility, stability, and harmony of the community. Evidence of Use:  The mask exhibits the  patina, nicks, and wear  consistent with a traditionally used and danced ritual artifact. Evidence of securing the mask is visible at the sides (the attached string), confirming its history as a functional mask worn by a performer. Key Highlights  This piece is a significant ethnographic find due to the  classic Gelede style , the  exceptional quality of the carving , and the  engaging, beautiful expression  which makes it a standout representation of Yoruba culture. The evidence of traditional use and the powerful cultural meaning make this a visually compelling and historically profound example of Nigerian sculptural art. Condition: Used. Category: Collectibles › Cultures & Ethnicities › African › 1900-Now › Figures & Sculptures.

Country of Origin

Nigeria

Provenance

Ownership History Not Available

Culture

Yoruba

Handmade

Yes