Mask "anbai" or "nyangbai" · Liberia, Toma, Macenta area · ID: 3039556
Christie’s, New York, 18 May 1993, lot 106
Description
wood, strongly encrusted greyish brown patina, of characteristic form: large and flat, with protruding forehead and strong brow ridge, bulky nose with tiny eyes to either side, large suface of the face accentuated by the absence of a mouth, crowned by two horns and plug with bifurcated tip, two packages filled with magical mass and brass bell on the head, slightly dam., minor missing parts, fine cracks, traces of insect caused damage, thick encrusted sacrificial patina peeled off in parts, metal base;
the Loma, or Toma, live on both sides of the Liberia/Guinea border. The principal men’s initiation society throughout the area is the “poro” society.
The wooden “angbai” or “nyangbai” mask represents one of several incarnations of the Supreme Being “ngafui” or “afui”. The “angbai” customarily accompanies the young future initiates into the forest, the sacred and exclusive “poro” domain. On completion of the initiation rituals, the “angbai” then escorts the young men back to the village. The mask-wearer’s impressive costume is made of feline or monkey furs.
Comparing literature
Carey, Neil, Masks of the Koranko Poro, Amherst 2007, p. 29 Grootaers, Jan-Lodewijk & Alexander Bortolot, Visions from the Forest, Seattle, London 2014, ill. 25