Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 300
Landai mask — Toma, Côte d’Ivoire/Guinea — African tribal art — Ref. 300
Description
Carved wood, dark patina, marked traces of ritual use. Imposing rectangular mask adorned with a gridded upper band and an addition of ritual cloth fixed to the forehead. Perforated circular eyes, straight nose finely carved with diamond-shaped motifs. Prominent slightly open mouth revealing two protruding teeth, symbol of mystical power. Presence of plant material under the nose, evoking a ritual moustache. Used in the initiation ceremonies of the Poro society, embodying a protective spirit or ancestor.
Technical details
- Type of piece
- Masque
- Category
- Masks
- Ethnic group
- Toma
- Country
- Côte d’Ivoire/Guinée
- Materials
- wood, cowries, metal,, peau
- Dimensions
- H 52 × W 18 × D 29 cm
- Weight
- 5 kg
- Estimated dating
- second half 20th c.
- Laboratory test
- Not tested
- Reference
- 300