Bete Passport Mask Ivory Coast Stand African Art

Description

Title
Bete Passport Mask Ivory Coast Stand African Art
Type of Object
Mask
Country of Origin
Cote d'Ivoire
People
Bete
Materials
Wood, pigment
Approximate Age
Mid 20th century
Height (in)
9
Width (in)
3
Depth (in)
2.5
Overall Condition
Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.
Additional Information:
This expressive mask comes from the Bete people of the Ivory Coast who live along the Sassandra River in large villages organized according to family lineages. Like neighboring peoples such as the We or the Dan and especially the We or Guere, whose influence can be seen in this mask, the Bete carve and use masks of extraordinary form and inventiveness to represent the untamed forces of nature that Bete identify as “Gle or Gre”. This present mask has facial features that show Baule, Dan's and Wee influences. Remains of the white pigment and dust on the surface of the mask indicate the long use and age of the mask.
or the performance purpose, The mask would be is surrounded by various material such as cowry shells, cotton cloth, pigment, iron bells, animal horn, bird feet, animal skin, vegetable fibers, which would add to the dramatic look expexted for such masks. In the past masks such as this were worn during periods of social strife and war, whereas today they are danced primarily during funerals or are present during judicial proceedings or at times will dance to simply entertain clansmen and villagers.
See Jacques Kerchache et al ART OF AFRICA.
CLM1020
**134684**
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