Mask "kyäsä"
Côte d'Ivoire, Guro
not available anymore
Size
H: 31 cm
H: 12.2 inch
Description
wood, black patina, white and red paint, triangular face with extensive coiffure in three lobes, eyes and mouth pierced, bipartite superstructure with drilled holes for insertion of feather ornament, slightly dam. (nose), missing parts (eyes, superstructure, rim on the backside), crack (chin), abrasion of paint, base;
“kyäsä” is the most important mask type of the “dye” mask ensemble. “Kyäsä” represents a strong man, a kind of war leader. Carrying a mighty tuft of feathers “fäkyä” on his head, a wooden knife in his hand and animal skin at his back. Characteristic feature is a large gash on his cheek, which is missing in present case.