#gelede

[noosphe-re]

Yoruba-Nago Helmet Mask, attributed to Arobatan, Pobè, Republic of Benin (Sotheby's)

[kemetic-dreams]

The Gẹlẹdẹ spectacle of the Yoruba is a public display by colorful masks which combines art and ritual dance to amuse, educate and inspire worship. Gelede celebrates “Mothers” (awon iya wa), a group that includes female ancestors and deities as well as the elderly women of the community, and the power and spiritual capacity these women have in society. Focusing not only on fertility and motherhood but also on correct social behavior within the Yoruba society

The Gelede social agenda rests on the Yoruba maxim Eso l'aye (The world is fragile). In other words, life is delicate and should be lived with caution and with an emphasis on diplomacy, consideration, respect and harmony

[hoodoogardens]

“One of "our mothers," an elderly priestess of the goddess Odua, Egbado-Yoruba, Nigeria, 1975. Photo by H. J. Drewal and M. T. Drewal.

Gelede pays homage to the spiritual powers of women, especially elderly women known affectionately as "our mothers," awon iya wa. The powers possessed by such women, comparable to those of the gods, spirits, or ancestors, may be used for the benefit or the destruction of society.  When manifesting their destructive dimension such elderly women are termed aje ("witches").  If angered, they can bring down individuals and entire communities.

[divine-roots]

Excerpt from ‘Gèlèdé: A Yoruba masquerade’.

[andrehoraart]

#notforsale #commission #custommadeart #gelede #iyami #mothers #detail #art #goddess #diosa #printmaking #digital #mixedmedia #andrehoraart https://www.instagram.com/p/B2rj_0chdkn/?igshid=1u6cbqpdcmff8

[seunandez]

#ila #markofila #royalheadseries #power #flower #gelede #africa #nigeria #world #art #photography #photo

[brooklynmuseum]

🔵  Here’s a little BLUESDAY inspiration from our African art collection, currently on view in Infinite Blue.

Male Yoruba dancers wear gelede masks at festivals honoring the women of the community. Gelede masquerades often serve as a showcase for artistic innovation, with their masks depicting motifs that are both entertaining and critical. This mask depicts a French gendarme, a colonial soldier wearing a blue cap, and was most likely performed as a critique of French personal and political behavior during the colonial period.

Yoruba artist. Gelede Mask of a French Gendarme, late 19th or early 20th century. Benin. Wood, pigment. Gift of Eugene and Harriet Becker, 1991.226.3

[thedivineprince]

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"...I beat them to the punch, I never need no krewe...I'm a big bad brew!" 🎩 #RespectTheVoodoo 🐍 #RespectTheAncestors 🐊 #AncestorsSeeAll 👀 #Egungun 💀 #Gelede ☠ #Zangbeto 👻 #TwoSpiritConjuror ☕ #RespectTheLegacyOfMarieLaveau 💀 #RespectTheCulture ⚜️ #abita #abitabeer #abitapurplehaze 💀 #RespectTheMedicine ☠ 🙏🏿#ChiefWitchDoctorMedicineManBlackHawkVoodooChief ➳ 👑 #ElegunOloyeHoodooNewOrleansVoodooObeahBokor ⚜️ ✌ "All is a Blessing" ✊ (at d.b.a. New Orleans)