Lor (Skull mask)

This mask type of the Tolai is made out of the facial bones of deceased persons. A putty consisting of clay and the juice of the parinarium fruit is applied over the bones, the mask’s face is then sculpted and polychromed. The headdresses often contain plant fibres and human hair. Little is known about the use of these masks. It is assumed that they held great importance especially in the ceremonies of the Iniet secret society. At the start of the 20th century, the masks were so coveted as collector’s items that the Tolai presumably also fabricated them on request.