Yoruba (Geldé) mask - Yoruba - Nigeria

Gelede masks are worn by male Yoruba dancers at festivals honoring the women of the community, both living and deceased, emphasizing the role of the mother in their society. The face of this mask is tilted back at a sharp angle. The lips, thin and delicate, are painted red. The almond-shaped eyes, without lower eyelids, feature a large round hole in the center, and the ears are schematic, thin, and finely drawn. The holes are not for seeing but for the great spirit to enter and come to life. The hairstyle consists of two parts: a smooth, oval section following the shape of the skull and another section on top. The face has a soft patina on medium-toned wood, with traces of vertical scarification painted on the cheeks and forehead. The comb is black with traces of blue paint. The entire piece conveys an impression of delicacy and simplicity.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert collection.
Argiles collection, Barcelona