{"product_id":"old-yoruba-gelede-helmet-mask-rabbit-hare-ears-pigment-12-african-tribal-art-dec","title":"Old Yoruba Gelede Helmet Mask – Rabbit Hare Ears \u0026 Pigment 12\" | African Tribal Art Decor","description":"\u003cp\u003eItem Specifics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCulture: African – Yoruba (Nigeria \/ Benin)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType: Gelede Society Helmet Mask (Rabbit\/Hare Superstructure)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStyle: Zoo-anthropomorphic (Human face topped with animal ears)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Carved lightweight wood with traces of gold\/yellow and black pigment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 12 × 12 × 8 in (30.5 × 30.5 × 20 cm) – Substantial width due to ears\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Fair\/Good authentic old condition – shows significant signs of age and environmental exposure. Note: There is a prominent, stable age crack running down the forehead\/side (visible in photos), along with surface erosion and paint loss typical of a field-used piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fascinating and character-rich old wooden helmet mask from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, belonging to the Gelede masquerade tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGelede masks are danced to honor and placate \"The Mothers\" (awon iya wa), acknowledging their spiritual power and ensuring the well-being of the community. This specific mask features the classic Gelede composition: a serene, stylized human face with distinct cheek scarification (Pele), surmounted by the long, expressive ears of a Rabbit or Hare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Yoruba folklore, the Hare is often a trickster figure, symbolizing wit, survival, and speed. The juxtaposition of the calm human face with the alert animal ears creates a striking visual metaphor for the duality of human and animal nature often explored in Gelede performances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuperstructure: Two large, carved upright ears representing a hare\/rabbit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePigment: Retains interesting traces of old yellow\/gold ochre paint on the forehead and ears, suggesting it was once brightly colored for performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpression: Large, pierced almond eyes and a composed mouth, typical of the \"coolness\" required of the masker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePatina: The surface is dry and weathered, with a texture that speaks to its age and storage in a tropical climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition Note: This is an \"as-found\" estate piece. The wood shows a distinct drying crack on the forehead and side, which contributes to its rugged, authentic aesthetic. It is a powerful study piece for collectors who appreciate the \"wabi-sabi\" of genuine tribal artifacts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant note: The display stand shown in the photos is for illustration only and is NOT included in the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049608409374,"sku":"BA-0627","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/il_fullxfull.7556641355_ghmn.jpg?v=1790371752","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/old-yoruba-gelede-helmet-mask-rabbit-hare-ears-pigment-12-african-tribal-art-dec","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}