The Gelede masquerade tradition developed in the Ketu region of Yorubaland (present-day western Nigeria). This large-scale festival celebrates the spiritual powers of elderly women, who protect the community’s well-being. The masks are specifically made for the celebration (used masks are patched) with elaborate, superstructures, and consist of both human and animal faces. The Gelede dancers are all men, but represent both men and women in their performance.

This ceremony started with the by now, usual routine…arriving at the village (whatever it was called)…View image…getting the group seated…View image…gathering of the entire village in anticipation…and the drummers in position…

drummers preparing for the Gelede Festival in Benin
One after another, dancers took their turn performing in the center with elaborate masks on…View image…View image…

pregnant woman representation at Gelede Fon Mask Festival, West Africa 

Antelope? Deer? Mask Festival, Benin
…and the dancers were wearing many ankle bracelets with bells adding to the rhythm…

Gelede ankle bracelets with rows of bells at the festival in Benin
This Festival had the rapt attention of everyone…a serious festival…performed yearly according to their traditions…

undivided attention even with food on her head at the Gelede Fon Mask Festival, West Africa 

more villagers at the festival, West Africa
This very long ceremony concluded at dusk and we preceded on to Abomey, Benin, the capital of the of the great West African kingdoms in pre-colonial times, heading towards the Hotel Dako on the Cotonou-Parakou highway, music still drumming through our heads…