A rare Yoruba Gelede mask, borderdestrict Benin/Nigeria, a helmet or bonnet was formed over a very light wooden core using an unknown material. This and the entire face, with the exception of the ears, the pierced eyes, the mouth and the upper part of the chin, are decorated with flat, openwork clay beads, with a row of cowrie shells running across the forehead from one ear to the other. The lower edge of the mask is framed by a red fabric band. Age related chips on the ears and lips. The stand consists of a modified iron rod on a wooden base. Certificate of origin and provenance.

sold

Height: 22 cm
Weight: 1,2 kg (incl. stand)