Yoruba Pythons with Warthog Parable Gelede Mask, Nigeria #

Yoruba Pythons with Warthog Parable Gelede Mask, Nigeria # Carved from a single tree trunk. The lower part represents a very calm and serene Woman's face in a simple and static posture. The upper part is on the contrary very lively and where all the creativity of the artist is expressed. Animal figures are often represented, as here, two large Snakes devouring a captured Warthog.  According to Yoruba Mythology, the Warthog was the most beautiful creature of the all animals at the time of Creation. Its head was decorated with Gems. However, the Gods were disgusted by the Warthog’s habits, his rooting around in the mud, and so on. They replaced the Gems with warts and the Gems were entrusted to the Python instead. The Python, which symbolizes the Rainbow, safeguarded the Gems by burying them at the point where the Rainbow meets the Earth. The Warthog threatened to kill the Python, but still he did not return the Gems. Incensed, the Gods sent Messenger Deities (the Eshu) in the form of H