Face Mask (Tehe gla)
1900–1920
- Medium
- Wood, boar tusks, pelt, cloth, human hair, probably aluminum, reeds, iron alloy, copper alloy, plant fiber, and paint
- Dimensions
- Overall: 38.1 cm (15 in.)
- Genre
- Mask
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art
Styles
Tags
Africa, West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire or Liberia, Wè-style carver
About
Tubular eyes and the fringe of carved leopard canine teeth identify this mask as male. Such masks appeared only during very important moments. The dancer wore a leopard skin over his head and shoulders, held an elephant's tusk in his hand, and had his face painted white. The masks function as peacemakers; they led soldiers into battle, and administered justice.