NDLI: Gelede Mask

Gelede Mask

Content Provider	IGNCA - Man and Mask
Spatial Coverage	Southwest of Yorubaland, Nigeria
Description	Gelede masks are used in the Gelede cult, which is connected with witches. It takes place only in the south west parts of Yorubaland, on both sides of the border with Dahomey (now republic of Benim) I.e. in the Egbado, shabe, Awori, Ohori, Nago and Ketu kingdom. The witches of Ketu are said to have founded the cult, whose purpose is to appear the spirits of witches and to utilise their power to protect the communities against malevolent forces. The ceremonies usually take place annually and at funerals on the death of members and as in Epa, the maska consist of two parts, a mask and a superstructure. the superstructure may depict many secular motifs. Masks may be made to represent a great member of the society. Membership of the society is open to both sexes but women hold some of the most important titles. Infact the festival is often in celebration or honour of the great mother, the ancestor of all women and of witches - Iya - Nla. When the dances are to be performed the participants and old women gather in the market square and pray to the spirits.The ceremonies start at night. The masks appear in identical pairs draped in multi coloured costumes. Efe is the senior male dancer whose songs are mostly satirical consisting of a running commentary on current events. This is usually very entertaining and sometimes predicts future happenings.
File Format	HTM / HTML
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Africa Ancient Human Practice Anthropology Anthropomorphic Art Work Art History Awori Ceremonies and Practices Decorative Mask Disguise Drama Theraphy Egbado Epa Ketu Museum Object Nago Ohori Ornamentation Performance Performing Art Ritual Mask Sculpture Shabe Yoruban Masks
Content Type	Image Text
Resource Type	Visual Artwork

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