Ventral mask of the Gelede - Yoruba Nago - Benin - SOLD
The Gelede cult in African tribal art
African masks depicting the belly of a pregnant woman are only worn by the Yoruba of Benin and the neighboring region of Nigeria. In addition to the false tummy, the transvestite dancer wears a female facial mask. It occurs during annual festivities Gélédé one of whose goals is to celebrate the fertility of women.
The relief that represents two snakes and frogs refers to a proverb that evokes luck, because the frog will be saved by a passerby. Polychrome well preserved.
This traditional ventral mask has been purchased by an eminent collector. Our art gallery, reference in Belgium, will propose you others.
Origin : private collection P. Vandenbergh, BelgiumDating : 1960'sSize : 51 x 28 cmMaterial : wood
00208
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
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The Gelede cult in African tribal art
African masks depicting the belly of a pregnant woman are only worn by the Yoruba of Benin and the neighboring region of Nigeria. In addition to the false tummy, the transvestite dancer wears a female facial mask. It occurs during annual festivities Gélédé one of whose goals is to celebrate the fertility of women.
The relief that represents two snakes and frogs refers to a proverb that evokes luck, because the frog will be saved by a passerby. Polychrome well preserved.
This traditional ventral mask has been purchased by an eminent collector. Our art gallery, reference in Belgium, will propose you others.
Origin : private collection P. Vandenbergh, BelgiumDating : 1960'sSize : 51 x 28 cmMaterial : wood