African Tribal Art: Guro/Bete people, Cote d'Ivoire, Africa: Anthropomorphic Gre mask with brown/black patina and white kaolin clay details, its strong abstracted facial features are outlined with upholstery tacks. Hand carved wood, Late 19th century.

Based on a human face the mask also has the tusks of a wild boar. The people who wear the masks are viewed as protective agents that represent the spiritual forces. Gre masks are known for their distorted features like facial protuberances, horned heads, bulging forehead, and tubular eyes. They are designed to provoke terror through embodying wild animals.

In masked dance performances, emphasis on a an animals strength and ferocity are evoked, giving the masked dancer power to expel evil forces and disease.

12.25H x 8.5W x 6.5D (inches).

Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private Collection, New York

Good condition with evidence of use and age.

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