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Description

Helmet mask. The mask depicts a red human face with a black brow ridge, black outlining the eyes, and black and white scarification on the cheeks (three vertical lines). The stout head has a small, wide face at the front, and a coiffure or headdress with three horizontal crests. Behind each ear is a fibre strap.

History Of Use

The gélède mask is worn more like a headdress, on top of the head, by male dancers. The masks are worn during Yoruba Gelede festivals which honour women, both living and dead, in particular the powerful "Mothers" (awon iya wa), a group that includes female ancestors and deities, as well as elderly women of the community. When dancers perform the Gelede dance they are displaying the powers of their female ancestors, who are considered to the beginning of the nation, makers of community and the protectors of children. They have the ability to affect the wellbeing of individuals or the community in positive and negative ways. The Gelede ceremony is divided into two parts: the efe, which takes place at night and features a humorist praying for the community, and the ijo osan, the daytime dance that is commonly referred to as Gelede. Based on the iconography, this mask could have been used to honour Sango or worn by Sango worshippers at the daytime ceremony of the festival. These masks can also be used at housewarming celebrations or important funerals.

Narrative

Purchased by Lieber in Abeokuta, in western Nigeria. Lieber was living in Nigeria from 1965-1970, lecturing at the University of Ibadan under the auspices of CIDA.

Iconographic Meaning

One narrative for the origin of the Gelede dance is that after Yemoja, the water goddess and mother of all spirits, performed a spirit dance by the river she gave birth to two children. Her daughter was a dancer and was called Gelede because of her weight; Yemoja’s son was called Efe because he was a humorist. The names of the children and their traits could then inform the parts of the Gelede ceremony. Female gelede masks are larger and are used for dancing, and the efe nighttime ceremony involves a humorist. The colour red is associated with Sango, the Yoruba deity of thunder. The hairstyle depicted is called ojompeti (rain dripping on the ears) and is associated with the worshippers of Sango. The three vertical lines on the cheeks and forehead are known as pèlè; they are regarded as gems on the face.

Cultural Context

Gelede festival dances.

Item History

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