Anthropomorphic mask "tu bodu" from the "lo" group · Côte d'Ivoire, Yaure · ID: 3046081
sold
EUR 8,000
Provenance
John Dintenfass, New York, USAZemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 27 November 2010, Lot 433
French Collection
Size
H: 34,5 cm
H: 13.6 inch
Description
wood, rest. (right horn), crack (left horn), base
The “lo” masks appear at funeral celebrations, they are colored black. Women are forbidden to see these masks, which are considered to be particularly dangerous. It is believed that this encounter with death might jeopardize their fecundity.
With the aid of such masks, the people hope to influence supernatural powers, or “yu” spirits, that can do harm to humans, but that can also ensure their welfare.