Fine Gelede Headdress. Yoruba / Nigeria / Santeria / Yemaya

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Fine Gelede Headdress. Yoruba / Nigeria / Santeria / Yemaya:
$269.00

Gelede, the masquerade performances of ancestral spirits, provides an outlet in which men play a major role. This celebration is associated with a deified founding foremother, either earth or water along with a forefather . The Gelede honors and serves spiritually powerful women-elders, ancestors, and deities. A woman\'s status derives largely from her reputation in trading, her craftsmanship, and her wealth, rather than her husband\'s importance. Since the principal occupation of Yoruba women is trading, many Gelede masks depict marketwomen. These women are economically independent of their husbands and have the potential to earn even more money than the husband. Borrowing occurs, but with expectation that it will be paid back.
Ideals such as patience and control and reverence are personified as women, the same women that are made tribute to. \"The mothers, who are united with all women by \'the flow of blood,\' embody the concept of balance, a female quality that man must understand -indeed emulate- in order to survive\". An elderly woman, her long years implying a secret knowledge and power may be regarded as a \"witch\". These elderly women and priestesses tend to be shown much affection. It is because of this special power that they have greater access to Yoruba deities. Any elderly woman, her longevity suggesting a mystical power and a secretive knowledge, is put into the same category as all those who hold important titles in cults for the gods and ancestors. Old age implies spiritual prowess taken from the end of menstruation. Thus menopause plays a role in the community that, unlike in the Western civilization, is very revered.

Measures - 12\" X 10\" X 15\".

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