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Mask

Unknownfirst half of 20th century

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minneapolis, United States

The iconography of this mask is a compilation of powerful animals including the horns of an antelope, the tusks of a warthog, and the jaws of a crocodile. It represents the "wildness" of the jungle, and the mask was used to frighten negative forces. Usually used during nighttime ceremonies, this "firespitter" mask would shoot sparks from burning coals out of its mouth.

Details

  • Title: Mask
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: first half of 20th century
  • origin: Côte d'Ivoire
  • Physical Dimensions: w11.25 x h30.5 x d20.5 in
  • Measurements: 30 1/2 x 11 1/4 x 20 1/2 in. (77.47 x 28.58 x 52.07 cm)
  • Type: Woodwork
  • Rights: Gift of Walker Art Center and the T.B. Walker Foundation, 2006, http://www.artsmia.org/index.php?section_id=7
  • External Link: Minneapolis Institue of Art (Minneapolis, MN, USA)
  • Medium: Wood, pigment, metal

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