Yoruba Painted Gelede Headdress

This painted mask was created by the Yoruba people of western Nigeria, and was worn during a tradition known as Gelede. A blend of ritual and artistic spectacle, Gelede pays homage to the women of their community, understood to possess spiritual powers capable of the benefit or the destruction of society. The Gelede masquerade is an opportunity to honor or condemn behaviors within the community, through dance, art, satire, and poetry. Worn by veiled dancers, Gelede masks such as this depict a composed female face, exuding calmness and patience.