Yoruba Gelede Mask with Snake and Animal Figure from Nigeria
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Description
Height: 17.5"
Width: 12"
Depth: 12.5"
Weight: 8 lbs
This interesting Gelede style mask features an animal eating a snake on top. The mask itself has been decorated with beads and shells lining the face, sides of the nose and underneath the mouth.
About the Gelede Mask
Gelede is a ceremonial dance to celebrate mothers and female ancestors during festivals. Meant to educate and inspire, masks are created to show the power these women hold. Worn and created by men, the masks come in all shapes and sizes. The dancers dress themselves in colorful, elaborate costumes and place the headdresses on top of their heads, faces covered by a veil to hide their identity. The dancers vigorously move to the beat of drums while singing and putting on a spectacular performance in honor of the women in their lives.
The origins of Gelede come from the story of Yemoja, “The Mother of all the orisa and all living things”. Yemoja could not bear children so she consulted an oracle. He advised her to offer sacrifices while dancing with wooden images on her head and metal anklets on her feet. With the ritual complete, Yemoja gave birth to a son nicknamed “Efe”. Later she gave birth to a girl, Gelede.When Gelede and Efe grew older and were married themselves, they too were unable to have children. The oracle suggested they try the same ritual as their mother had to conceive them. Soon after, both children had families of their own, developing this masked dance into a traditional ceremony.
Width: 12"
Depth: 12.5"
Weight: 8 lbs
This interesting Gelede style mask features an animal eating a snake on top. The mask itself has been decorated with beads and shells lining the face, sides of the nose and underneath the mouth.
About the Gelede Mask
Gelede is a ceremonial dance to celebrate mothers and female ancestors during festivals. Meant to educate and inspire, masks are created to show the power these women hold. Worn and created by men, the masks come in all shapes and sizes. The dancers dress themselves in colorful, elaborate costumes and place the headdresses on top of their heads, faces covered by a veil to hide their identity. The dancers vigorously move to the beat of drums while singing and putting on a spectacular performance in honor of the women in their lives.
The origins of Gelede come from the story of Yemoja, “The Mother of all the orisa and all living things”. Yemoja could not bear children so she consulted an oracle. He advised her to offer sacrifices while dancing with wooden images on her head and metal anklets on her feet. With the ritual complete, Yemoja gave birth to a son nicknamed “Efe”. Later she gave birth to a girl, Gelede.When Gelede and Efe grew older and were married themselves, they too were unable to have children. The oracle suggested they try the same ritual as their mother had to conceive them. Soon after, both children had families of their own, developing this masked dance into a traditional ceremony.
Condition
Good with minor imperfections - please inspect photos.
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Yoruba Gelede Mask with Snake and Animal Figure from Nigeria
Estimate $200 - $500
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Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Eagle Creek, OR, usOffers In-House Shipping
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