Yoruba Gelede Masquerade

The Gelede Masquerade honors the primordial essence of women to create and destroy - acknowledging "our mothers, our witches" This festive event comes at the beginning of the agricultural cycle and is celebrated through masquerade, song, dance, performance and ritual.  The Gelede Masquerade has many levels of significance -- only that which is publicly known, is revealed and therein lies the mystery, so I was actually humbled beginning this process, could I really capture their expression in this doll series? 

Researching the Gelede, I found simple and very complex and elaborate mask structures. Most often the Gelede masquerade is used as a parody to convey social behavior or make a commentary on issues relating to the community so it is fitting that their masquerade takes place in the marketplace - the hub of the community.  The Gelede Festival is an annual celebration.

Six images came to me as inspiration along with several styles of "masking".  Some of the images were influenced by the Orisha, who are recognized deities of the Yoruba, their representation in the Gelede Masquerade recognizes all of the ancestral lineages who initiated into the spiritual traditions of the orisha. But far more than that, the community at large, recognize the power of the female orisha among the attributes of the Gelede. 

The first one shown below has a general message to the community, perhaps later on, I will create more Gelede masks that represent more of the social, political commentary; but for now, it is the essence of the primordial mothers that I wanted to express.

These are the Gelede masquerades that I have created thus far:

This masquerade has a style typical of the Gelede featuring animal/reptile motifs on the headdress.  This one has a snake coiled around cowry shells, dancing her way to the activities of marketplace.  Many themes can be perceived from this portrayal.



 Gelede honoring the Iyaami, the primordial mothers who influence the events of humankind - both good and evil.  Appeasement to the Iyaami is always made for favorable outcomes.

 Gelede honoring Yemaya (Yemoja) orisha deity of the Ogun river, and the open waters of the diaspora. Her name means “Mother whose children are like fishes” symbolizing the vastness of her motherhood, and the life giving properties of water for all living things.
 When I look at this portrayal, I feel that she is crying tears as an expression of the cycle of life evident in the water cycle.

Gelede honoring Oya, (Yansan) orisha deity of the wind, medium to the ancestral realm and worshipped deity of the Niger River.  This masquerade features colors attributed to Oya, (as a mother of nine) - nine colorful ribbons are sewn on the back of her robe.  Her robe has sleeves which resemble fans to signify her power of the wind.

Gelede honoring Oshun, orisha deity of a river, symbolic of beauty, grace, sensuality.  I am calling this one Youthful Virtue - a young maiden hopeful for a husband.
last but certainly not least ......

This is The Great Mother.  She is the last masquerade to appear during the Gelede Festival and makes entrance at dusk.  She is the most revered and sacred of the Gelede masquerade.  Her presence can bring forth illness and destruction or summon healing, health and prosperity to the community.