Mask - We Guere - Ivory Coast - SOLD
The mask in Liberia and Ivory Coast
In Africa, the Guere are also known as Wé and are part of the Kran group in Ivory Coast. The ethnic group extends to Liberia. There are many Guéré / Wé tribal masks. The main ones are warrior masks, singers and dancers. At the top of their hierarchy is the mask with a wide mouth with metal teeth, protruding eyes, surrounded by fabrics, skins, feathers, horns, wooden points evoking the claws of the panther. These African masks are the oldest and have given birth to many other masks.
The sacred mask does not dance but takes symbolic steps. At the end of the ritual feast he blesses members of the family or clan. It is he who attracts ancestors' favors over everyone, for he is himself an ancestor. The sacred mask is the stabilizing element of society. It's a god as such. Adapted from page 110 and following of "Sculpted bodies, trimmed bodies, masked bodies".
This mask from Ivory Coast is no longer available, our art gallery offers other objects of this type. Do not hesitate to contact us.
36 x 26 cm
00181
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection France
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The mask in Liberia and Ivory Coast
In Africa, the Guere are also known as Wé and are part of the Kran group in Ivory Coast. The ethnic group extends to Liberia. There are many Guéré / Wé tribal masks. The main ones are warrior masks, singers and dancers. At the top of their hierarchy is the mask with a wide mouth with metal teeth, protruding eyes, surrounded by fabrics, skins, feathers, horns, wooden points evoking the claws of the panther. These African masks are the oldest and have given birth to many other masks.
The sacred mask does not dance but takes symbolic steps. At the end of the ritual feast he blesses members of the family or clan. It is he who attracts ancestors' favors over everyone, for he is himself an ancestor. The sacred mask is the stabilizing element of society. It's a god as such. Adapted from page 110 and following of "Sculpted bodies, trimmed bodies, masked bodies".
This mask from Ivory Coast is no longer available, our art gallery offers other objects of this type. Do not hesitate to contact us.
36 x 26 cm