Bete mask, Ivory Coast
16" tall x 10" wide x 12" deep
wood, animal skin, brass tacks, pigment
*The stand I used to photograph this mask is not included with the mask.
SOLD
Bete carvers are renowned for one particular type of face mask, the gre or nyabwa , which has exaggerated, grimacing distorted features – a
large protruding mouth, facial protuberances, bulging forehead, elongated nose, with nostrils sometimes extending to each side of the face, and
globular or bulging slit eyes set beneath a high-domed forehead carved with a medium ridge. In earlier days, this mask presided over the
ceremony held when peace was restored after armed conflicts and it participated in sessions of customary justice. This type of mask was also
worn to prepare men for war; the masks offered magical protection by instilling fear and terror in potential enemies. Nowadays, it is worn for a
variety of ceremonies, including entertainment dances. Sources: A History of Art in Africa / Africa - The Art of a Continent
Despite its appearance, I believe that this mask was made specifically for the collecting market. This was one of the earlier masks in my
collection, I fell in love with it for its powerful and unusual aesthetic qualities.
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