Gèlèdé Anago Benin mask, wood and traces of mineral and acrylic polychromy

Description

Gèlèdé Anago Benin mask (Kétu region), wood and traces of mineral and acrylic polychromy
W: 11,4 in H: 11 in
Mask from the ritual society Gelede, illustrating the cult of “Mothers”, or witches. The ceremony is made up of two phases, the night dedicated to the representation of the deities and the day, to community celebrations, with diversified representations. This one represents a great mother, with its characteristic fabric band, crossed on the cap. The object is slightly damaged on the back with some lack of wood due to xylophages.
Mid 20th century, ex-private collection (Toulouse)