Face mask "je" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Yaure · ID: 3034528

Description

wood, dark brown patina, chin plug and framing zigzag beard, crowned by curved horns, delicate modelled facial features, min. dam., crack backside, slight traces of abrasion, socle;
the most well-known masks of the Yaure depict a human face with animalic endorsement. They belong to the “je” or “lo” masks, which could take influence on the supernatural forces called “ju”, who are either able to cause harm to the people or secure their well-being.

Comparing literature

Barbier, Jean Paul (ed.), Art of Côte d' Ivoire, Vol II, Genf 1993, p. 108, ill. 182 Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 38