Large Wooden Mask
Item
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Accession Number
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2024.51.
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Title
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Large Wooden Mask
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Ethnic Group
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Grebo
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Subject
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Mask|Ceremonial|West Africa
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Country
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Côte d'Ivoire
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Date
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Early 20th Century
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Medium
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Patinated wood, other natural materials
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Format
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H x W x D: 11 in x 5 3/4 in x 5 1/8 in (27.94 cm x 14.605 cm x 13.018 cm)
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Description
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The large wooden Bete mask is coated in a dark, glossy patina with white kaolin and a blue pigment in the centers of the cylindrical protrusions across the face. Four of the central circles have been hollowed out, for the masker to see and breathe out of. A large overhanging, rounded forehead juts over the eyes and nose. The mouth is tucked underneath the lowermost row of cylindrical forms, and is defined by a thick incision to separate the top and bottom lip. The Bete Gle or Gre mask was used in ceremonies to represent the hostile forest spirits, establishing the maskers as protectors of the spiritual forces.
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Type
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Face Mask
