Mask, Yoruba; Nigeria
Wood, pigments; H. 18"
Masks known as Gelede are utilized
by the Efe/Gelede Association among the western
Yoruba. This society honors "the mothers"
in relation to female ancestors and deities. An
interesting duality exists, however, in that Gelede
is also an anti-witchcraft society and, at the same
time, is thought to have close affiliations to witchcraft
itself. Here, the power of the mother in her role
of birthing and life-giving is contrasted with the
concept of the power of elderly women and witchcraft,
thus giving and taking life, health or illness.
This particular mask, carved from one piece of wood,
may represent a young woman, bringing her goods
to marketplace.
