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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Gelede Ritual Mask
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Gelede Ritual Mask

Artifact ID1966.40.3
Object Type Mask, Ritual
Gifter
Maker (Benin)
Date Unknown
Date GiftedSeptember 28, 1966
Medium Wood and pigment
DimensionsOverall H 15 1/2 in x W 14 in x D 15 1/4 in (39.4 cm x 35.6 cm x 38.7 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionCarved and painted mask made for use by an Oro Efe, the principal performer in a Gelede ritual. Lower part is a face painted white with blue decoration, representing a wise elder. A blue cap supports a complex superstructure--predominately blue with brown, yellow, white, and green. Two birds on top symbolize female spiritual power; each holding a diamond-patterned snake, symbolizing strength. Four sheathed knives suspended from encircling band represent male prerogative and honor Ogun, a god of iron and war.
Historical NoteThis mask was given to President Lyndon B. Johnson by His Excellency Leopold Sedar Senghor, President of the Republic of Senegal during a state visit to Washington, D.C. in September 1966. Presented during official informal White House visit on September 28. The mask was made to be used by the principal performer in a ritual dance that celebrates female ancestors and deities, as well as the elderly women of a community. The mask is worn with a cloth veil over the face and an elegant cloth costume symbolizing power and royalty.


Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis item was a gift from a foreign official to President Lyndon B. Johnson during his term in office. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives on January 1969 for deposit with the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 189698376)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Historical Dates
  • September 28, 1966
On view
Place Gifted
Senegal
Place Made
Benin