Mask (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

19th–20th century
Wee
wood, paint, fur, fabric, hair, metal, fiber, bone
Côte d'Ivoire
Overall: 22 × 17 1/2 × 9 in. (55.88 × 44.45 × 22.86 cm)
88.141
When trouble disrupts the flow of village life, the Wee employ large, horrific masks to help banish the evil spirits that are causing the trouble. The gaping mouth, menacing teeth, spiky beard, and multiple eyes of this example contribute to its ghoulish appearance.
Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund
"Spirit of the Motherland." Roanoke: Museum of Western Virginia. September 1995- January 1996. Peninsula Fine Arts Center: January- May 1996.
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC

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