Masked dancer during a Gelede performance, Meko, Nigeria

Object Details

Local Numbers: EENG-II-19a, 33.
General: Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
Local Note: Typed index card reads, "E 2 Yrb. Yoruba. Nigeria, Meko. Gelede masked dance. May 1970. EE. neg.no. II-19a, 33. See back: village identification. 8/1978. Babatunde Lawal." The card was written in 1977-79 by Archives staff using source provided by photographer.

Topic: Portraits; Masquerades; Masks; Animals in art; Animals in art -- Rams

See more items in: Eliot Elisofon Field collection; Eliot Elisofon Field collection / Nigeria

Archival Repository: Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art

Type: Archival materials; Negatives (photographic); Black-and-white negatives; Negatives

Collection Citation: Eliot Elisofon Field Collection, EEPA 1973-001, Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution

Collection Rights: Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.

Scope and Contents: "Gelede imagery evokes all aspects of Yoruba society. The masks refer to a wide variety of female and male roles and activities either in objects associated with such roles or in genre scenes depicting them. They also depict animals that serve as metaphors for human actions or as illustrations of popular proverbs and songs that accompany the mask's appearance." [Drewal H. J., Pemberton J., Rowland Abiodun, 1989: Yoruba. Nine Centuries of African Art and Thought, Harry N. Abrams Inc.]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.

Collection Restrictions: Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.