Gelede Mask from Yoruba

Description

‘Gelede’ – means to “soothe or treat with gentleness,” and is understood in relation to women. The purpose of the Gelede mask & ceremony performance is to acknowledge and celebrate the abilities and strengths of women – particularly mothers, who are seen as life givers. The objects used during the Gelede ceremony – especially the mask – aid the celebration of qualities such as calmness, patience and good judgement, which the Yorubas tend to associate with mothers. The Gelede headdress often consists of two parts, a lower mask and an upper superstructure. The lower mask depicts a woman’s face, its composure expressing the qualities of calmness, patience, and “coolness” desired in women. . The design of the superstructure is intended to placate the mothers by displaying their inner powers for all to see, thus pleasing them and ensuring the well-being of the community.

One source states that birds signify the dangerous nocturnal powers of women who act as witches. Snakes symbolize the positive feminine qualities of patience and coolness as also the vigilance. Gelede artists demonstrate their artistry and mastery of the medium by developing complex imagery within the confines of the basic cylindrical mass of wood.

Another source states that masks with birds represent the “messenger of the mothers” while snakes represent “power”.