Technical development is resulting in a gradual loss of traditional know-how, and tourism is jeopardizing the Gelede by turning it into a folklore product.

UNESCO: Intangible Cultural Heritage

Although the Gelede has nowadays adapted to a more patriarchal society, the oral heritage and dances can be considered as a testimony of the former matriarchal order.

UNESCO: Intangible Cultural Heritage

Nevertheless, the Gelede community shows great awareness of the value of their intangible heritage, which is reflected in the efforts put into the preparation work and in the growing number of participants.

UNESCO: Intangible Cultural Heritage

His painting "Negro Masks" (1932) is displayed in the exhibition with the two sculptures that inspired the painting, a Yoruba Gelede helmet-mask from Nigeria and a Bwa mask from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, arranged on a Kuba textile.

WSJ: Americans' African Inspiration | African Art, New York, and the Avant-Garde | Metropolitan Museum of Art | By Michael FitzGerald

The Gelede takes place every year after the harvests, at important events and during drought or epidemics and is characterized by carved masks, dances and chants, sung in the Yoruba language and retracing the history and myths of the Yoruba-Nago people.

UNESCO: Intangible Cultural Heritage