작품 상세

Carved wood with metal inlays. Dimensions: 29 × 18 cm. A mask of great visual weight and unusual character, designed to impress through the force of its features and its ritual presence. The enormous forehead, dominating the half-closed eyes, is studded with upholstered nails, while the prognathic jaw displays lips stained with red ochre and inlaid with small metal tabs. The surface retains a stained patina, enriched with red ochre and kaolin, indicative of its ceremonial use. The Bété, settled on the left bank of the Sassandra River in southwestern Ivory Coast, developed a repertoire of masks closely linked to the bagno cult, sharing formal and functional affinities with the neighboring Kouya and Niabwa peoples. The style of these masks also reflects the influence of the Wobé and Guéré traditions, integrated under the name We—"the men who forgive easily"—within the broader Krou cultural group. From a former French collection, this piece is presented with its certificate of authenticity. Lot in international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipping: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required.