Gelede is an annual
festival honoring “our mothers” (awon iya wa), not so much for their
motherhood, but as female elders. It takes place in the dry season (March-May) among the
Yoruba people of southwest
Nigeria and neighboring southeast
Benin.The mask (or headdress, since it does not cover the face) is one of a pair worn together by men masquerading as women to amuse, please and placate the mothers who are considered very powerful, and may use their powers for good or destructive
witchcraft purposes.The Gelede ceremony involves carefully choreographed dance, singing and music, especially drumming. Dozens of masquerading pairs may take part. The daytime festival is held in the marketplace, and is preceded the night before by an Efe ceremony at which male masks are used by ‘jesters’ who make satirical performances including social comment.
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