NIGÉRIA / NIGERIA Yoruba "gelede" crest, Nigeria Medium-hard... Lot 2

NIGÉRIA / NIGERIA Yoruba "gelede" crest, Nigeria Medium-hard wood with brown patina, pigments Height : 27,5cm / 10 7/8" Crest carved with a face whose red pigmentation allows it to be identified as female. It is surmounted by the representation of a saurian, holding in its mouth a catfish. Probably dating back to the 17th century, the "gelede" ceremonies are closely linked to fertility cults. The masquerades in which the crests appear, most often in pairs, are, according to William Fagg's field observation, dances intended to curry favor with "mothers," elderly women or female ancestors, to whom the community grants great political and spiritual power. A custom-made display stand will be included with the lot. Provenance: collection montréalaise, 2002.