Zemanek-Münster

Anthropomorphic mask "tu bodu" from the "lo" group

Côte d'Ivoire, Yaure
sold EUR 8,000
Provenance
John Dintenfass, New York, USA
Zemanek-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.


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