TALL VINTAGE YORUBA GELEDE SOCIETY HEADDRESS

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TALL VINTAGE YORUBA GELEDE SOCIETY HEADDRESS:
$1495.00

Here is a largeand spectacular Gelede Society headdress, skillfully carved from asingle cylindrical tree trunk cross-section, painted and worn in acelebration that acknowledges the formidable powers attributed to Yoruba womenelders.

The Geledeceremony pays homage to the estimable powers of mature Yoruba women, femaleancestors and feminine deities. This remarkable headdress was carved into twodistinct parts; a female head surmounted by a complex superstructure depictingsymbolic animal subjects whose identity and significance are recognized by thevillagers. The sedate female face is represented with large almond shaped eyes,a stylized rectangular mouth and vertical scars on each cheek called pele.

Theelaborate superstructure includes:

• four sheathed swords surmounted by an enormouspython.

• Serpent: Dagbe is the Python Deity, Yoruba symbol of feminine patience andrestraint and Ogun, Eshu and Ifa are among the several Orishaassociated with snakes.

• Elephant -- symbol of longevity and power --is carved with massive tusks and an attenuated upraised trunk. The elephant isassociated with Ogún and Erinlé.

• Monkey -- the divine trickster figure ofYoruba mythology called Esu-Elegbara -- stands behind the elephant,grasping the edge of a curved structural band decorated with two large roostingbirds.

• Bird symbolizes mature Yoruba femalemystical power; it is a manifestation of honor and prosperity.

This tall anddistinctive headdress measures 17.5” (44.5 cm) in height; there are severalstable hairlines and some native paint has flaked off, but without repair orrestoration, this fine old headdress is in very good overall condition.

Astutecollectors realize that AUTHENTIC old Yoruba masks of this age, quality andstyle are already scarce and steadily increasing in fiscal value. This strikingheaddress has been in the seller’s collection since 1966.

Gelede Society Headdress, SW Nigeria,

West Africa,Mid-20th Century.

Authenticity isunconditionally guaranteed in writing.

The Certificateof Authenticity accompanying this headdress was prepared and signed by alongtime A.S.A. Senior Member, certified Ethnographic Art specialist.

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