Helmet Mask

It is believed that the origin of the Geledé cult occurs on the occasion of the mythical passage from matriarchal society to patriarchal society, which would have provoked the anger of women. To placate them and honor Lya Nla, the primordial mother and all the ancestors would begin what was known as Geledé cult. It is the only Yoruba society run by women.

Sorcerers and priestesses can have a beneficial or malicious influence on society. These women belong to a secret female society made up of mothers of the people. In order to attract their favor and to be favorable to society, they must be honored with dances and songs at the ceremony. Ephe, in which the masks participate Geledé aimed at neutralising the negative energy of awo sya wa, “our mothers” say the Yoruba and channel all positive energies in order to get benefits for the community.

Inyala is the great sorceress, the first woman with power over life and death.

The mask bearer gelede This mask seems to date from the end of the century. XVIII. The Gelede is a cult dedicated to fertility that can last several days, with the Ephe o Evening ceremony and the Gelede or daytime ceremony, in which the masks are expressed dancing, singing or exchanging replicas and speeches. These masks dance in funeral ceremonies for the death of a member of society or on the occasion of annual playful festivals that celebrate fertility as a guarantee of prosperity.

The background of this mask is of a greyish green color, in the grey it is the diminent color and above it stand out the usual colors red and blue of the Yoruba.