Mask Apasa Yoruba

Description

Mask Apasa Yoruba Anago, wood and mineral polychromy, dry patina.

H: 17,8 in l: 7,1 in.

This dancing crest mask is called “Apasa”. It’s dedicated to idol “Oro”. Its carving is characteristic of Anago sculpture, The Yoruba of Benin. It’s dancing during ceremony for Oro, protective idol of village forbids of vision the women. It could dance at the end of nocturnal Gelede ceremony (cult of Mothers, mystical power of creative woman and witche) to create the patriarchal counterpart in this matriarchal ceremony.

Origin: Ex-collection Johan Visser (Bruxelles), ex-french collection

First half 20^th century.