This is the rating and price for Toma Loma Janus Figure Guinea Africa 24 Inch , Second half 20th ce

Description : Additional Information: An interesting sculpture in the form of a Janus head with carved horns supported by a strong cubist column. The two faces have features similar to those found on classic Toma Loma masks, which include a triangular concave shaped face surmounted with horns. Each face has a large forehead cut away sharply just above the eyes, a trademark of the Toma Loma masks. The general form of this sculpture depicts a masked dancer (see feathers, iron forged Kissi currency, in head, faces shape,  ,and raffia fibers) . Without any doubt,  ,this sculpture comes  ,from the Toma or Loma people of Liberia. However, the function and use of such plinth figure remain challenging, as not many of such objects have been seen in museums and in the market. The feathers encrusted in the head, the raffia fibers around the waist, as well as the remains of sacrificial substances on the surface indicate the object was used in rituals.  ,Also, this Janus figure was probably used as a headpiece or a dance wand during funerals and during adult initiations and during harvest ceremonies as seen in the Toma Loma neighbor cultures including among the Baga.  ,After the performances the sculpture was placed in the family shrine and would participate in ancestors' cult or in the rituals of the Poro society . Among the Loma people of Liberia who are identified as the Toma in Guinea, the male secret society known as Poro is the primary association for the initiation of all males and the means whereby social control is exercised. Powerful leaders of this secret society have badges of office and certain symbols reserved to them to influence initiates. Large masks were worn horizontally on the head and held by the projecting horns. They appeared during initiations of youths into manhood. Sometimes, they were held in the male secret Poro Society precinct in the &lsquo,bush&rsquo, where they were kept hidden from the uninitiated.  , The Toma are a small group (200,000 people) found in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. Most of their ceremonies revolve around the secret Poro society. , See Kerchache et al's ART OF AFRICA and the CD ART AND LIFE IN AFRICA for more information.
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Estimate (low-high) : 350 USD-450 USD It's free to register now to view!

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