African Arts Gallery

A nose with hooked appendages and a split forehead give this African tribal mask from the Bete/We ethnic group a most fantastic appearance. Red ochre pigmented highlights mark the forehead and mouth, white clay for the bulbous eyelids.
Smooth satin patina.
It is mainly in the west of the Ivory Coast that the Bété employ masks whose style has been influenced by the society of masks gla of the Wobé and Guéré populations, group called Wé or "men who forgive easily", itself belonging to the cultural group Krou , these traditions having been transmitted and taught to them by the Nyabwa . Of warlike origin but also participating in the resolution of conflicts, this sacred mask is worn accompanied by amulets that protect its wearer from its power against witchcraft. It is in order to reinforce its power through the exercise of customary justice that these masks are made available to the chief.