Nov 25, 2025
Yoruba-Nago Helmet Mask, attributed to Arobatan, Pobè, Republic of Benin (Sotheby's)
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Yoruba-Nago Helmet Mask, attributed to Arobatan, Pobè, Republic of Benin (Sotheby's)
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The Gẹlẹdẹ spectacle of the Yoruba is a public display by colorful masks which combines art and ritual dance to amuse, educate and inspire worship. Gelede celebrates “Mothers” (awon iya wa), a group that includes female ancestors and deities as well as the elderly women of the community, and the power and spiritual capacity these women have in society. Focusing not only on fertility and motherhood but also on correct social behavior within the Yoruba society
The Gelede social agenda rests on the Yoruba maxim Eso l'aye (The world is fragile). In other words, life is delicate and should be lived with caution and with an emphasis on diplomacy, consideration, respect and harmony
“One of "our mothers," an elderly priestess of the goddess Odua, Egbado-Yoruba, Nigeria, 1975. Photo by H. J. Drewal and M. T. Drewal.
Gelede pays homage to the spiritual powers of women, especially elderly women known affectionately as "our mothers," awon iya wa. The powers possessed by such women, comparable to those of the gods, spirits, or ancestors, may be used for the benefit or the destruction of society. When manifesting their destructive dimension such elderly women are termed aje ("witches"). If angered, they can bring down individuals and entire communities.
West African Òrìṣà Practice #Repost - @edadudutv by @get_regrammer GẸ̀LẸ̀DẸ́ in Ìbarà, Community, Abẹ́òkúta is heavily linked and associated to Yemọja... In fact, all Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ with their entourage proceed to the Yemọja Shrine at the Temple to pay Homage before heading to the Drums section under two entwined Trees (that definitely over 100 years old) which gives natural shade for the space of performance... . Various families from the communities are represented by their Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́, bearing statues and carvings on the heads to represent their history, identity, Ancestral occupations... . It's also gets tense at times as various Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ could dance within the same space, but others definitely want all the room... I mean, 'My Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ can dance more than yours'. . At various intervals the Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ persons sit and get sprinkled with Yemọja waters, while they temporarily take down the weighty masks...get some rest while other Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ make their appearance...and it goes on and on... . Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ performers also have metal anklets much similar to what you may fine at Ẹgbẹ́ spots...they rattle so much as they dance... . Over here too, Yemọja has a Masculine counterpart...represented via Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́...his name...Ẹ̀yíní Ọlọ́mọ (both He and Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ Yemọja came out last after all other Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ has gone). . #EdaDuduTV #PreserveAfrika #gelede #abeokuta #yemoja #yemojaogun #ogunstate #yorubaspirituality #ibara #ibaraabeokuta #ibaracommunity #edaduduphotography https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg0j74rv9pm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
Excerpt from ‘Gèlèdé: A Yoruba masquerade’.
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#notforsale #commission #custommadeart #gelede #iyami #mothers #detail #art #goddess #diosa #printmaking #digital #mixedmedia #andrehoraart https://www.instagram.com/p/B2rj_0chdkn/?igshid=1u6cbqpdcmff8
#ila #markofila #royalheadseries #power #flower #gelede #africa #nigeria #world #art #photography #photo
🔵 Here’s a little BLUESDAY inspiration from our African art collection, currently on view in Infinite Blue.
Male Yoruba dancers wear gelede masks at festivals honoring the women of the community. Gelede masquerades often serve as a showcase for artistic innovation, with their masks depicting motifs that are both entertaining and critical. This mask depicts a French gendarme, a colonial soldier wearing a blue cap, and was most likely performed as a critique of French personal and political behavior during the colonial period.
Yoruba artist. Gelede Mask of a French Gendarme, late 19th or early 20th century. Benin. Wood, pigment. Gift of Eugene and Harriet Becker, 1991.226.3