Yoruba Gelede mask Nigeria, colorfully painted wood, minor age-related damage, the Yoruba in Nigeria and neighbouring Benin (formerly Dahomey) have a jelly cult in honour of women, mothers and general fertility. Men dance in pairs and in colourful masked costumes with such masks on top of their heads. ht: 41 cm provenance: Estate of Dr Alexander Arnot(1931-2023), diplomat and ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. From 1962- 1967 Legation Counsellor in Benin and from 1970 Ambassador to Niger, acquired in Africa between 1962-1967

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