Yoruba Painted Gelede Headdress

c. 1950
$980 USD
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Dimensions
W: 8.5" D: 6.5" H: 11.75"
Materials
Paint
Wood
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CAA0482
Estimated Shipping
$38

This painted mask was created by the Yoruba people of western Nigeria, and was worn during a tradition known as Gelede. A blend of ritual and artistic spectacle, Gelede pays homage to the women of their community, understood to possess spiritual powers capable of the benefit or the destruction of society. The Gelede masquerade is an opportunity to honor or condemn behaviors within the community, through dance, art, satire, and poetry. Worn by veiled dancers, Gelede masks such as this depict a composed female face, exuding calmness and patience.

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Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

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