YOROUBA, NIGERIA. Gelede crest mask, cup bearer. Wood and pigments. The figure has a serene expression, with almond-shaped eyes, slit pupils, closed mouth and three scarifications on each cheek. A scarification between the nose and the left eye. Stylized ears with a large lobe (one missing). The head is adorned with two pierced side cylinders and bears a frieze-decorated bowl, pierced twice. Traces of indigo pigments. Height 36 cm (old restorations, cracks, wear and tear) Base. Provenance: private American collection, then private French collection. Subsequently sold by Galerie Olivier Larroque, presenting the mask as late 19th, early 20th century.

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