Mask · Côte d'Ivoire, Bété · ID: 3036137
not available anymore
Provenance
Hans Thoeren, Eschweiler, Germany (1974)Size
H: 24,5 cm
H: 9.6 inch
Description
light brown wood, brown patina, nails, old label backside, pierced around the rim, crack, small missing parts, traces of abrasion;
the Bete are an ethnical group of around 800000 people, living in the southwestern part of the Ivory Coast. They are mostly known for a mask type with several protruding horns, rather resembling a knights helmet with ventail. This mask type was originally used by warriors. In later times the mask appeared at funeral ceremonies or in honour of important persons.