Zoomorphic mask "ni bli bu-ge" ("baby eater")
Liberia, Dan-Gio or Kran
sold
EUR 2,600
Provenance
Dutch Collection, AmsterdamHans Marcus (1912-1992), Düsseldorf, Germany
Size
H: 25 cm
H: 9.8 inch
Description
wood, encrusted patina, human hair, old collection label “Côte d’Ivoire - Liberia Dan ? / Gersai”
According to Vittorio Mangio a ritual mask representing a baboon, used in judicial ceremonies. As a judicial consultant the wearer of the mask could allegedly ask for a small baby to be killed and eaten (cf. AHDRC 0067649).