The Power of "Our" Mothers
_Gelede Mask, the Yoruba people of Nigeria, 19th -20th Century. Wood, paint, laundry bluing. H: 24.00 cm, W: 18.00 cm, D: 31.00 cm. Fowler Museum at UCLA. Gift of the Wellcome Trust. X65.4742.
This mask was carved from wood and painted over with various dyes and pigments. The form of these masks generally has this unique shape and representation of the head. The eyes are large and oblong, with a short pointed nose and full lips. This mask has an elaborate black coiffure with ridges and patterns and a center structure rising down the middle. The head, when on a flat surface, makes the face tilt upward, chin raised, exuding an air of confidence. Scarification marks have been applied to both sides of the mouth. Each of these particular Gelede masks is worn by Yoruba Gelede masqueraders, in pairs representing male and female stereotypes. This mask would be worn to represent a female stereotype. These performances are conducted to entertain and appease “Our Mothers”, spirits of wise and powerful female ancestors who possess significant amounts of orisha, or life force. Our Mothers, as believed in Yoruba, wield their power in all sorts of destructive or unpredictable ways if not appeased. With these masquerades, the hope is that the Mothers will be entertained and persuaded to use their control over events for the good of society, bringing success and wealth to the people.
This mask was carved from wood and painted over with various dyes and pigments. The form of these masks generally has this unique shape and representation of the head. The eyes are large and oblong, with a short pointed nose and full lips. This mask has an elaborate black coiffure with ridges and patterns and a center structure rising down the middle. The head, when on a flat surface, makes the face tilt upward, chin raised, exuding an air of confidence. Scarification marks have been applied to both sides of the mouth. Each of these particular Gelede masks is worn by Yoruba Gelede masqueraders, in pairs representing male and female stereotypes. This mask would be worn to represent a female stereotype. These performances are conducted to entertain and appease “Our Mothers”, spirits of wise and powerful female ancestors who possess significant amounts of orisha, or life force. Our Mothers, as believed in Yoruba, wield their power in all sorts of destructive or unpredictable ways if not appeased. With these masquerades, the hope is that the Mothers will be entertained and persuaded to use their control over events for the good of society, bringing success and wealth to the people.