Consulter la cote et le prix de Grebo Mask, mid 20th century

Description : Additional Information: An interesting wooden face mask with a large face and twelve eyes or six tubular projectiles on each side of the face and a long nose that divides the face in two sections and a prominent mouth. The mask is painted in white with traces of , blue. , This delightful mask comes from the Grebo people. , The Grebo live in southeast Liberia at the border with the Ivory Coast, with the Bassa people on their west and the Bete and We to their east in the Ivory Coast. Grebo masks are best known for their influence on early western modern art being found in the collection of Picasso who obtained a Grebo mask from his dealer Kahnweiler in Paris. There is no doubt as to the influence of the Grebo style mask upon the development of western art for they are a complete example of geometry in sculpture with the flat face, a long nose and tubular , projectiles. The startling geometry of this mask with the double lines of 6 tube tubes each, flanking the strong profile of the nose and protruding lips is indeed a tour-De-force of sculpture. Little is known about the use of masks among the Grebo other than the fact that they are said to have been worn during wars by leaders as a kind of military costume. The masks were worn by the leaders of a warrior’s age set lead and terrify the enemy. Though not worn for warfare today they are worn at the funeral ceremonies of elders. This mask was worn on the face as seen in the eyeholes drilled on either side of the nose. In the past other larger Grebo masks were worn on the top of the head as a kind of helmet. This mask is indeed a great sculpture straddling the world of traditional African sculpture and modern art. This is a good example of Grebo mask, beautifully designed. It shows signs of long use and would stand well in any collection. Recommended Reading: see: G.W. Harley, Masks as Agents of Social Control in Northeast Liberia (1950) W.C. Siegmann and C.E. Schmidt, Rock of the Ancestors (1977). Jacques Kerchache et al. ART OF AFRICA I have examined this piece and agree the description. Niangi Batulukisi, PhD.

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