Geledé Mask - Yoruba - Benin
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Máscara Geledé from Benin, a Yoruba polychrome wood mask of the mid-20th century, 36 cm high, in good condition, from a private collection.
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Description from the seller
In Benin, the mask consists of two parts: one reproducing the human face, worn on the head, and the other covering the body. The costume is made of brightly colored fabrics. The mask, with its highly expressive features, has a pronounced prognathism, large open eyes with pupils marked from the outside, and lips cut vertically at the corners of the mouth, a characteristic feature of the Yoruba. The head is topped by a superstructure in the form of a headdress, which the craftsman, giving free rein to his imagination, has carved with motifs. mouth, characteristic of the Yoruba people. The head is topped by a superstructure in the form of a headdress in which the craftsman, giving free rein to his imagination, has carved symbolic motifs combined with anecdotal scenes from everyday life. The masks of Benin are adorned with strips that reproduce the motif of the snake, to which a particular cult is dedicated.
Provenance: Berthe Hartert collection.
Argiles Collection, Barcelona
In Benin, the mask consists of two parts: one reproducing the human face, worn on the head, and the other covering the body. The costume is made of brightly colored fabrics. The mask, with its highly expressive features, has a pronounced prognathism, large open eyes with pupils marked from the outside, and lips cut vertically at the corners of the mouth, a characteristic feature of the Yoruba. The head is topped by a superstructure in the form of a headdress, which the craftsman, giving free rein to his imagination, has carved with motifs. mouth, characteristic of the Yoruba people. The head is topped by a superstructure in the form of a headdress in which the craftsman, giving free rein to his imagination, has carved symbolic motifs combined with anecdotal scenes from everyday life. The masks of Benin are adorned with strips that reproduce the motif of the snake, to which a particular cult is dedicated.
Provenance: Berthe Hartert collection.
Argiles Collection, Barcelona
Details
No. of items
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Yoruba
Country of Origin
Benin
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Polychrome wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Geledé Mask
Height
36 cm
Provenance
Private collection
