The dancers move in pairs, their faces hidden beneath carved wooden headdresses. On top of the masks sit elaborate scenes: a snake swallowing an animal, a woman carrying a load, a motorbike, a pair of drummers. The audience laughs and cheers as the masks pass. This is Gelede, a masquerade performed by Yoruba communities in Benin, Nigeria and Togo, and its purpose is serious: to honour the mothers.
Honouring mothers and the masks
Gelede celebrates “our mothers”, a term that includes living women, female ancestors and deities. Yoruba belief holds that women possess great spiritual power, which can protect or harm the community. The performances aim to please the mothers and keep peace and fertility in the community. Gelede masks are carved from wood and worn on top of the head, with the dancer’s face covered by cloth. Many show a calm female face beneath a carved scene.
Scenes, dancers and the night show
The superstructures often show scenes of daily life, animals, proverbs or social commentary. Some include modern objects such as cars, planes and sewing machines. Gelede is usually danced by men dressed as women, with padded costumes and colourful cloth. Festivals often begin with a night ceremony called Efe, featuring songs with satire and moral messages.
Drums and songs accompany the dancers, and the rhythms guide their movements.
UNESCO, museums and carvers
The Oral Heritage of Gelede, shared by Benin, Nigeria and Togo, was recognised by UNESCO in 2001 and later inscribed on its list of intangible cultural heritage. Gelede masks are held in museum collections around the world, admired for their carving. Skilled carvers continue to make masks for performances and for collectors. Gelede festivals still take place in parts of Benin and south-western Nigeria, though they face pressure from changing religious practices.
Social commentary and preservation
The carved scenes and Efe songs allow communities to comment on behaviour, politics and current events in a humorous way. A mask showing a greedy official or a gossiping neighbour carries a message everyone understands. In Benin, towns such as Kétou are known for strong Gelede traditions, and festivals draw visitors from across the region.
Cultural groups document performances and train young carvers and dancers. The carved scenes on Gelede masks make audiences laugh. Underneath the jokes, the dancers are asking the mothers to keep the community safe for another year.
