YORUBA, GELEDE HEADDRESS, Nigeria © John Urban
This page is a record of an exhibit that took place in 1991. The individual links below will take you to the CURRENT VERSION of the pages that formed part of that exhibit. |
The Hamill Gallery of African Art is glad to announce the opening of
it's second special exhibition, Art of the Yoruba. One of Afnca's major
tribes, the Yoruba from Nigeria have centuries of rich, artistic tradition.
This exhibit attempts to present the unparalleled variety and depth of masks,
figures and artifacts of the Yoruba culture.
The most important societies or associations are well represented. Masks
and headdresses of the Gelede, honoring the powers of women, range
from the simple, serene and elegantly carved masks to those with elaborate
animal superstructures and full dance regalia. Massive helmet masks of the
Epa association and the huge, powerful Egungun costumes hint
at the full presence and magic of the complete rituals with dance and music.
Figures include maternity and equestrian pieces, as well as several pairs
of the small Ibeji (twin) figures that attest to the traditional
special place that twins have with the Yoruba. Royal and priestly objects
include ritual metal staffs, beaded sheaths, royal beaded crowns, cowrie
shell shrines, and Shango and Eshu staffs and dance wands
used in the Orisha religion. Among the many artifacts are stools,
with a caryatid figure or multiple figures as supports, Ifa divination
trays and bowls, Ashoke fabrics, Hausa robes and iron Osanyin
bird staffs used in herbal medicine.
Gelede, a male association honoring the special powers of women, held festivals at planting time. Often with elaborate superstructures, they appeared as identical pairs in the dances.
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