African Arts Gallery

Ex-collection Belgian African art.
The Gelede country in Nigeria pays tribute to mothers, especially the oldest of them, whose powers would be comparable to those of the Yoruba gods, or orisa, and ancestors, osi and who can be used for profit but also for the misfortune of society. In the latter case these women are named aje . Masked ceremonies, through performances using masks, costumes and dances, are supposed to urge mothers to use their extraordinary qualities for a peaceful and constructive purpose, for the good of society. This mask could evoke Muslims in Yoruba society, to honor their business and leadership qualities, but also, sometimes, to mock their attempts to eradicate indigenous beliefs including the Gelede cult. (Source: Africa, ed. Prestel)This African Gelede mask comes from the vast collection of African tribal art that Mr. Guy Mercier, now deceased, consultant for the Solvay group, undertook to collect at the beginning of the 20th century. While radiating in West and Central Africa as part of his work, and collecting in-situ works, the majority of his collection is nevertheless derived from \