Mask
White, Bruce M.
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.
Primary Repository ID
MCCM_1994-004-607
System of Record ID
1994.004.607
Title
Mask
Date Created
1900 – 1999
Description
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.
Creator
White, Bruce M.
Subject - Topic/Names
We (Ivoirian and Liberian people)
Subject - Geographic
Liberia
Africa
Subject - Time Period
Twentieth century
Extent/Dimensions
16.5 x 53 x 43 cm
Content Type
Artifact
Content Genre
masks (costume)
Related Material
Source
African Art
Rights Statement
Copyright declaration applies to digital photographs and not the items depicted in them.
Rights Holder
Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
Copyright Date
2011
Institution
Emory University
Holding Repository
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Sort Date
1900
