Face mask "tu bodu" (buffalo) of the "je" group ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Yaure · ID: 3032524

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, accents in reddish brown, of oval hollowed form with chin plug and framing zigzag-beard, elaborate coiffure with bow-shaped contour, crowned by curved horns, serene expression on the face, raised scarification marks, slightly dam., on pedestal;
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. Especially a case of death requests the performance of the “tu bodu” masks in order to reestablish the social balance and to accompany the deceased into the world of the hereafter.

Comparing literature

Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 38