Helmet mask "gelede"

wood, brown patina, black paint, traces of indigo blue and white pigment, drilled pupils, nose and ear holes, lancet-shaped tribal marks on forehead and cheeks, slightly dam., minor missing parts, cracks.
"Gelede" festivals are held on the arrival of the early spring rains and are performed in honour of "our mothers" - "awon iya wa", also referred to as "our mothers, the witches - "awon iya wa aje". They have been described as real spectacles with an enormous variety of headdresses and costumes.