IN CONTEXT: the Gelede
Headdress
ART IN CONTEXT: How is the Gelede Headdress Used?
These are pictures from the annual Yoruba
Gelede festival honoring the powers of women.
HONORING WOMEN
The festival honors women in their current lives, ancestors (those that
have passed away), and godesses.
THE COSTUME
The headdress is worn only by men. It rests on top of their heads
with a veil that covers their own face. They must wear a plump costume to
make
them look like the women they are honoring. The costume is made of strips
of fabric from women in the town. In the picture on the left, you can see
how the strips swirl around when the man begins to dance.
Click on the picture of the costumed dancer on the right to see how the
Gelede
is worn.
THE PAINT ON THE HEADDRESS
Look carefully at the Gelede headdress in the top right picture.
How does it
differ in color from the one with the snakes and birds on the left?
The paint on this headdress has been worn away from use. However, if it
when it was used, it would have been painted brightly, like in the
pictures above.
What do you think?
Can you think of any annual celebrations that take place in the United
States to honor our country's ancestors? How do we celebrate?
Introduction
To Inspire Respect For Royalty
To Celebrate A Good Harvest
To Teach Young Women
To Seek Protection and Honor Ancestors
