Tribal Art

Powerful visual impact for this "mask of bravery" of We from Liberia. The huge mouth, devoid of teeth, responds to the circular volume of the exorbitant pupils, and, under a human nose, to the tiny orifices representing the nostrils. Crusty and composite agglomerates, in which mingle bird's down. Grainy matte patina. Height on base: 41 cm.
The Dan, in the north, and the Wé in the south (Krou group comprising the Guéré, the Wobé in the northeast and the Wé of Liberia called Kran or Khran), made frequent use of borrowings due to their proximity. The elements of the bush, protruding volumes of the forehead, horns and fangs, zoomorphic jaw in some cases evoking the gaping mouth of an animal creature, are associated with human traits marking the duality of the divine. Before the 1960s, the masks, whose elaboration was inspired by the visits of the spirits during dreams, accompanied most activities such as war, dancing, singing, hunting. Each of these masks had a name associated with its function. It remained the property of the dancer's lineage. The Wé were also renowned for their knowledge of plants for therapeutic use. Lit.: "Wé" A-M. Boyer, ed. 5Continents.