VINTAGE FEMALE BODY MASK CARVED WOOD PIGMENT YORUBA NIGERIA W. AFRICA 20TH C

Description

GJPaw
Auctions is pleased to offer a
n authentic and stunning vintage, Female Body Mask from the Yoruba people, Nigeria, West Africa.
The
Yoruba people are the largest ethnic group in Africa. The population is concentrated in Nigeria and The Republic of Benin (formerly Dahomey). In both countries, the Yoruba constitute the majority population. The history of the Yoruba people dates back thousands of years, beginning with the Ife and Benin civilizations.
The Yoruba people of West Africa have a long history of ancestor worship practice in which each complex stage requires special objects created by artistic masters. One such object is the body mask.
Carved from a single piece of wood and painted, the mask is tied onto the torso of male Yoruba dancers who mimic and exaggerate female movements to create an effective illusion, the real purpose of any disguise. The mask is worn for the Gelede Festival, an elaborate masquerade celebrating the special powers of women, both those who are physically here and those who are not, the ancestors. Collectively and affectionately, all are called “our mothers.” Ironically, it is the job of men disguised as women to dance vigorously and convincingly so our mothers will bestow their blessings on the community.
This superb example is carved wood with painted pigmentation. The mask measures 12.3 inches in length by 7.3 inches in depth by 22 inches in height (31.2 cm by 18.5 cm by 55.8 cm), including the specially designed, hand-made, iron museum display stand.
It shows wear commensurate with use, including minor cracks and chips, but generally is in very good condition. It dates to the mid-20th century. A fabulous collector’s item, coming from an important Midwest collection of African art, it is guaranteed authentic and would make a fine addition to any collection of African art in general.
GJPaw
Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the globe at
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A1100-271