Likely acquired by FP Pinkett 1895 - 1911. Fiona Savage: Gelede mask. Yoruba, Nigeria. Store. Materials: Wood, pigments. This carved wood Gelede mask represents a male whose face is painted predominantly white with the exception of the eyes and beard which are painted black. The horizontal bands that form the head piece are painted alternately black and white and may depict a head-covering of some kind. There are no signs that this mask has been worn so it is probable that it was collected shortly after it had been carved. It dates to the early 20th century and may have been carved by the same male carver as 88/1928.53. This mask forms an identical pairing with 88/1928.55 See the explanation above re: Gelede and its cultural function.
