We (Wee), Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire

Bagle face mask. The name We encompasses the kru-speaking Guere and Wobe. They are estimated at 100,000. They live in the southwest of the forested Côte d’Ivoire and the southeast of Liberia. Both peoples have numbers of masks figures, who belong to family lineage associations and are controlled by a masquerade society. They embody nature spirits. Singing, dancing or beggar masks serve to entertain the populace; the more significant king, war, initiation, guard and runner masks oversee social and political affairs and appear at rituals associated with the harvest and burials. These masks usually have anthropomorphic features. The function of the present mask is not evident from its design, since the mask was defined by headgear, costumes and attributes, and occasionally by painted patterns.

Material: wood, vegetable fiber, raffia

Size: H. 12”, W. 8”, D. 4”

Price: $210 + $30 (S&H)                                                [#E4W8M247]