Yoruba Gelede helmet mask with movable figures – Nigeria

Description

Expressive Yoruba Articulated helmet mask from Nigeria with movable figures, a colourful and vibrant showpiece for the collector of African art.

This expressive helmet mask shows a seated figure with a child facing it, where the child's arms can be moved by an internal rope mechanism. The polychrome painting - with green, red, yellow and blue - is partly preserved and gives the object its lively appearance. The child is still wearing fabric clothing. The layered design, with a sculptural scene placed atop a mask headpiece, reflects the rich pictorial tradition of the Yoruba.

Origin & meaning
Articulated masks are used in Yoruba culture during festivities that convey social harmony, education and community values. The depiction of a child and an adult can be interpreted as a symbol of transmission of knowledge and care. This specimen is from Nigeria and was acquired at Veilinghuis Peerdeman from a private estate in Dordrecht. The mechanical element makes it particularly attractive to collectors.

Dimensions & condition
Height 51 cm, width 27 cm, depth 25 cm. Condition: good condition with signs of use and partly preserved pigments.