Bidspirit auction | Yoruba Queen Helmet Mask

Yoruba Queen Helmet Mask - Yoruba People, Nigeria: Helmet mask of the Gelede, a men's association honoring the special powers of women. This Gelede mask features the elegantly elongated and stylized head of a Queen. Early 20th Century. Carved wood with brown stained skin and dark-stained coiffure and facial scarification. The finely carved hair retains evidence of blue pigment. Along the bottom rim, the edges of multiple holes are worn smooth from their former attachments. The mask comes with a custom-made steel stand. A comparable mask is shown in African Art In American Collections, Schiffer, page 231, plate 593. Dimensions: 13H x 9W x 18D; 24.5H on stand. (inches) Provenance: From the private collection of Massachusetts Gentlemen. NOTE: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot. Condition: Good condition. Minor abrasions and other signs of handling. The inside shows wood desiccation. Note: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.