A superb Yoruba Gelede mask Western Yoruba, Nigeria H: 12" The beautiful and sensitively carved mask with high coif and remains of zig-zagging band, possibly a snake; the face in typical Early Western Yoruba style, the eyes rounded and bulging, the nose with flaring nostrils and the mouth well carved. The interior with extensive old damage from a long period of disuse probably in a shrine. On a custom base. Private NY collection, purchased in the 1950s by the current owners parents, thence by descent.