African art > African mask, tribal art, primitive art > We mask

We mask (N° 23331)

Heavy so-called "singing" mask reminiscent of those of the Dan, ribbed forehead, bulbous eyes, fleshy lips. The polychromy enhances the structure and features of the face underlined with upholstery nails, whose realism is accentuated thanks to the textile and raffia elements. Semi-satin patina, abrasions.
The Dan, in the north, and the in the south (a Krou group comprising the Guéré, the Wobé in the northeast and the Wé in Liberia called Kran or Khran), made use of frequent borrowings due to their proximity. The elements of the bush, protruding volumes of the forehead, horns and fangs, zoomorphic jaw in some cases evoking the gaping mouth of an animal creature, are associated with human traits marking the duality of the divine. Before the 1960s, the masks, whose elaboration was inspired by the visits of the 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.
Lit.: "Wé" A-M. Boyer, ed. 5Continents.  

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OriginEx-collection française
EthnyWe
Countrycôte d'ivoire
Material(s)wood, metal, textile et raphia
Height cm41
Width16 cm
Weight1.40 Kg
Estimated datingcirca 1960
Socle inclusOptional

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