Gelede Masked Dancer
Benin 2001
A Yoruba man performs in the Gelede mask ceremony. The Gelede is a secret society of men. Costumed and masked, they dance and act out rituals designed to perpetuate the morals of the tribe and inspire correct conduct.
Gelede Masked Dancer
The man in the gold-colored gandoura steps in to direct the dancer when he veers off course. The village was enthralled and as you can see in the next photo, the children were fascinated and a bit afraid.
Masked Dancer of Yoruba Tribe