Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Gelede Mask

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Gelede Mask

The Yoruba have a rich tradition of masquerades performed during funerals, holidays, and other events. Gelede masks, such as this one, are worn by male dancers at festivals honoring the women of the community, both living and dead, especially the powerful Great Mothers, the ancestors of Yoruba society. The gelede performances entertain and educate, and also document elements of everyday life. This brightly colored mask illustrates a type of elaborate head tie for which Yoruba women are famous.

• Culture: Yoruba
• Medium: Wood, pigment
• Place Made: Nigeria
• Dates: late 19th or early 20th century
• Dimensions: 11 3/4 x 9 1/4 x 12 in. (29.8 x 23.5 x 30.5 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 22.227
• Credit Line: Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
• Image: Overall, 22.227_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
Yoruba. Gelede Mask, late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, pigment, 11 3/4 x 9 1/4 x 12 in. (29.8 x 23.5 x 30.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.227 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.227_PS2.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Mask with large elaborate headtie painted in many layers of yellow, blue, red, green, brown, and black. Nostrils pierced for wearer to see through. Condition is fair. Paint raised and cracked.