Tribal Art

Guéré Mask (N° 18989)

The African art of the Wé people and its African warrior masks
Various excrescences compose this mask whose upholstery nails raise the dark patina. The forehead evokes a warrior's helmet, typical of these masks supposed to cause fear. It is mainly in the west of the Ivory Coast that the Bété use masks whose style was influenced by the society of the gla glazed populations Wobé and Guéré , group called Wé or "the men who forgive easily", itself belonging to the cultural group Krou , these traditions having been transmitted and taught to them by the Nyabwa . Height on pedestal : 42 cm.
Of warrior origin but also involved in conflict resolution, this sacred mask is worn with amulets that protect its wearer from its power against witchcraft. These masks are made available to the chief in order to strengthen his power through the exercise of customary justice.