African Arts Gallery

Originally designed to frighten, this heavy African mask carved from dense wood, inlaid with brass nails, has various growths imprisoning its features.
Abrasions and desiccation cracks.
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 . 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.