This mask or headdress, called igi Gelede in the Yoruba language, would have been a part of Gelede, a festival in western Yoruba communities that celebrated the power of women. The performances of Gelede masquerades not only entertained, but also honored the spiritual power of women in the community, known as awon iwa ya or "our mothers". Gelede masks feature many different images or scenes, as all of society falls under the influence of women; "our mothers" were also "the owners of the world". Yet this mask or headdress is simple; the head or ori is the focal point, as the inner head (ori inu) houses a person's ase or life force. As Gelede masks or headdresses sometimes depicted a specific individual, the facial marks may indicate the region that person came from. Good condition, no restorations. Careful regisered sending, combined shipping possible.