Description:

Africa, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Poro people, late 20th century CE. Wooden mask in form of a crocodile worn on top of the head. It represents a spirit (ge), have special names, the belief being that it was the mask, not the man, which performs the specific ritual function. Poro masquerades are not always frightening. In many Mano communities the guardian of poro initiation is a beautiful female masquerade, honored as the mother of all other masked spirits, who appears to boys as they enter the poro enclosure. She gathers food and supplies during the boys' seclusion, and may convey news to their families. Even though this female spirit is animated by a man, it is usually owned by the woman who is the only female elder allowed within the initiation center. Mano masks often display red fabric decorations. Size: 30" L x 10" W x 13" H (76.2 cm x 25.4 cm x 33 cm)

Provenance: Ex-private Kragler Collection, NH.

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#102758

  • Condition: Minor wear, as shown.

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May 12, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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