Rare anthropomorphic face mask "aron arabai" · Sierra Leone, Temne · ID: 3049229
Description
copper sheet with hammered decor (“repoussé”), one-cent and twenty-cent coins (from the 1960s), rest., base
Numerous wooden masks are known from the Temne, which were the property of secret societies. Their metal masks, however, are largely unknown. This piece is one of the few examples that have found their way into Western collections.
Even today, metal masks “aron arabai” represent the guardian spirit “karfi” of the ruling chief and his clan in many Temne chiefdoms. The masks bear specific names that refer to the respective dynasty. There is only one mask for each ruling clan, which appeared during the ceremonial enthronement of the regent.
The metal faces were worn diagonally across the forehead. The dancer’s face and body were completely hidden by a lush costume of raffia and fabric.
A dancer wearing an “aron arabai” mask and costume is illustrated by Hahner-Herzog. It originated from the chiefdom of Kolifa and bore the name “nemankera”.
Comparing literature
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 27