African Arts Gallery

Guéré mask (N° 21893)

The African art of the Wé peoples and their African warrior masks
This warrior's mask, underlined with upholstery nails, offers fantastic features which seem to spring from the face, characteristic of these masks supposed to cause terror. The mouth is lined with animal skin on which remains fur.
It is mainly in the west of the Ivory Coast that the Bété use masks whose style has been influenced by the gla mask society glaé of the Wobé and Guéré populations, together referred to as Wé or "the men who forgive easily", himself belonging to the group cultural Krou , these traditions having been transmitted to them and taught by the Nyabwa. .
Thick crusty patina agglomerated between the eyes.
Of warlike origin but also participating in the resolution of conflicts, this sacred mask is worn accompanied by amulets which protect its wearer from its power against witchcraft. It is in order to strengthen his power through the exercise of customary justice that these masks are made available to the chief.