**Originally Listed At $750**

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden helmet mask, featuring an anthropomorphic face with a pair of pigs standing atop with a snake wrapped around them. Masks like this are often divided into 2 parts- the upper headdress and the lower woman's visage, which depicts the ideal beauty and calmness- while the headdress animals are a metaphor for the woman's inner powers as well as proverbial sayings. These masks were worn during the Gelede masquerade, a celebration to honor and pay respects to women, to ensure their forces are used for good. The snake symbolizes the calm and quiet side of femininity, while pigs are celebrated for fertility. Size: 15" L x 14" W x 14" H (38.1 cm x 35.6 cm x 35.6 cm)

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#174093

Repairs with light adhesive residue on surface. Stable but wide pressure fissures throughout. Fading to pigments, but good remains on snake and face. Great signs of age and use.