African Arts Gallery

This type of "mask of bravery" (Tehe gla) was shared by the Western Bete, the Nyabwa and the We. Upholstery nails and brass leaves highlight the structure of the mask. Satin black patina, minor erosions and cracks.
Height on base: 47 cm.

The Dan, in the north, and the Wé of the south (Krou group including the Guéré, the Wobé of the northeast and the Wé of Liberia called Kran or Khran), made use of frequent loans due to their proximity. The elements of the bush, protruding volumes of the forehead, horns and fangs, zoomorphic jaw in certain cases evoking the gaping mouth of an animal creature, are associated with human features marking the duality of the divine. Before the 1960s, masks, whose creation was inspired by visits from spirits during dreams, accompanied most activities such as war, dancing, singing, hunting. Each of these masks had a name associated with its function. It remained the property of the dancer's lineage. The Wé were also renowned for their knowledge of plants for therapeutic use.
Litt.: “Wé” A-M.Boyer, ed. 5Continents.