Anthropomorphic face mask "tohourou"
Description
light-coloured wood, matt blackish brown patina, high vaulted forehead with raised vertical ridge and diamond-shaped scarification marks, the eye-zone deepened in a horizontal line, the mouth situated at the tip of the chin, projecting beard with remains of plaited human hair, the face enclosed by a curved ridge, which is arranged in half-spherical concentrial bows above the forehead, traces of old age, dam., minor missing parts, paint rubbed off, traces of insect caused damage, missing parts at the back of the rim, rep. (chin), paint rubbed off, metal socle;
rare mask-type presumably coming from western Bete groups. Combining stylistic traits of the Dan, like deepened eye zone, bulging forehead, forehead ridge and real hair beard with characteristics from other neighbouring groups. The concentrical tear sacs and the curved contours of the hairline remind of masks of the Guro.
Figures of the Bete are quite rare, while masks are more common, at which most known are those with several stylized tusks, which more resemble the helmet of a knight with vizor. Present mask type instead, is rare! It fits into a small group of old Bete-Guro masks, which were mostly collected around 1900.
Masks of the Bete generally appear at dances of the various secret societies. In literature this mask is called “a whistler”. It should be connected to the society of “gyé”, whose members, acting as judges, are responsible for making important decisions concerning war, and social and political conflicts. The pure bellicose context in which the masks were once used is no longer existent. They neither encourage nor lead men into battle. Instead of this they intervene to ritually cleanse the village, detect and chase away sorcerers, or preside over funerals.Their performances are so highly appreciated that the best troops of dancers and musicians frequently tour from one village to another, taking part in funerals and other specific rituals.