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Through bold color and aggressive imagery, predatory animal references, horns, and strange tubular eyes this mask is a visually intimidating presence that harnesses the power of spirits from the wilderness as instruments of proprietary control in the realm of the town or village. Their visual affect was only heightened during performance.

This Wé mask presents a bewildering accumulation of animal references: a fringe of aluminum-silver pseudo-leopard teeth, wild boar tusks, and pointed ears. With its bold color and bullet casings, this prototypical nature spirit mask is wild and menacing, making it a powerful judge during legal disputes and a great motivator of men preparing for battle.

Details

  • Title: Mask
  • Location: Liberia
  • Physical Dimensions: 6 1/2 x 20 7/8 x 16 15/16 in. (16.5 x 53 x 43 cm)
  • Provenance: Ex coll. William S. Arnett, United States.
  • Subject Keywords: sculpture, mask
  • Rights: © Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University. Photo by Bruce M. White
  • External Link: https://collections.carlos.emory.edu/objects/3803/
  • Medium: Wood, metal, hair, fiber, pigment, bullet casings
  • Art Movement: We
  • Dates: 20th Century
  • Classification: African Art

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