This early Yoruba Gelede mask previously belonged to the Italian collector Dr. Alberto Scalettaris, who lived in Turin. During the 1970s and 80s, Dr. Scalettaris visited and purchased from many Paris and London-based galleries. This mask was purchased from The Arcade Gallery,London in the mid 1970's.
The mask depicts a female head surmounted by what appears to be a pot. The mask features facial scarification markings typical of the Yoruba on the cheeks and forehead, and a finely decorated, elongated coiffure. The detachable pot is carved from a separate piece of wood.
Ex Dr. Alberto Scalettaris Collection, Italy (Turin)
Ex Arcade Gallery Collection, UK
Mask comes with the original purchase receipt from 1974
Estimated Period: 1930’s – 1940’s
YORCB00
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