WE, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire - Lot 114

WE, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Dance mask with a powerfully stylized face, marked by exaggerated features: open mouth, eyes hollowed out in a deep cavity, cartouches of unequal size inlaid in the cheeks and protruding spikes accentuating the visual force. The forehead, in the shape of a plateau, dominates the composition. The whole gives this mask a wild, archaic expressiveness. This type of mask was used in spectacular Weh ceremonies, as part of nocturnal performances. The combination of organic materials and inlays was intended to provoke fear and embody a supernatural force. Wood, cord, horsehair, horn, cartridges, earthy amalgam, ancient patinas, remnants of orange pigments Height Height : 40 cm Width: 20 cm