A Grebo warrior mask, Liberia. Signs of ritual use; encrusted patina, traces of white and blue dye used to ornament the mask. Certificate of origin and provenance.

“The Grebo people of Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire were formerly governed by a chief-priest who lived in near total isolation. Historically, they chipped their teeth to make them appear sharper and more ferocious. In modern times, Grebo governance has become more fluid and tooth chipping is very rare.
The Grebo use several types of masks, some used for adult initiation or religious ceremonies. The most commonly seen is the war mask, used by warrior societies and formed in the shape of a plank with cylindrical eyes, numbering between two and twelve. The mask is danced in preparation for war and at the funerals of warriors.” Source: Museum of Cultural Masks.

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Height: 48 cm
Weight: 1,4 kg incl. stand