Gelede mask - Yoruba - Nigeria

Gelede mask - Yoruba - Nigeria #1.0
Gelede mask - Yoruba - Nigeria #1.0
Gelede mask - Yoruba - Nigeria #2.1
Gelede mask - Yoruba - Nigeria #3.2
Gelede mask - Yoruba - Nigeria #4.3
02
days
18
hours
59
minutes
29
seconds
Current bid
€ 15
Reserve price not met
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 170 - € 200
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Gelede mask from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, carved in wood and measuring 41 cm high, 30 cm wide and 26 cm deep, weighing 2.5 kg, in good condition with visible wear, provenance Gallery / Antique dealer, not sold with a stand, carved with two ancestors and a snake on top.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Beautiful mask from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. Gelede Masks, are according to the Society of African Missions (SMA) To Protect Man from Witches. Gelede masks are worn by men, but may portray a wide range of male and female characters. The masks are formally danced in identical pairs and adorned with elaborate, colorful costumes composed of numerous layers of expensive imported cloth, as well as locally made cloth. The mask is worn tilted over the forehead, allowing the dancer to see out beneath the rim through an attached veil of cloth. Good condition with clear traces of wear and tear.

The mask is beautiful carved with 2 ancestors and a snake on top. In African regions snakes symbolize immortality because some species will bite and hold onto their tails, forming a circle. They also symbolize fertility and protection.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.

Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery.

Seller's Story

Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins. Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins. For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.

Beautiful mask from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. Gelede Masks, are according to the Society of African Missions (SMA) To Protect Man from Witches. Gelede masks are worn by men, but may portray a wide range of male and female characters. The masks are formally danced in identical pairs and adorned with elaborate, colorful costumes composed of numerous layers of expensive imported cloth, as well as locally made cloth. The mask is worn tilted over the forehead, allowing the dancer to see out beneath the rim through an attached veil of cloth. Good condition with clear traces of wear and tear.

The mask is beautiful carved with 2 ancestors and a snake on top. In African regions snakes symbolize immortality because some species will bite and hold onto their tails, forming a circle. They also symbolize fertility and protection.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.

Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery.

Seller's Story

Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins. Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins. For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.

Details

Ethnic group/ culture
Yoruba
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Gelede mask
Height
41 cm
Width
30 cm
Depth
26 cm
Weight
2500 g
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
The NetherlandsVerified
11409
Objects sold
100%
4669
Reviews
protop

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