Angbaï Toma mask
Toma people
Guinea
Mid XX century
H. 44 cm
Provenance :
04/10/2000 Auction sale, Orléans, France. Described by French scholar Jean Roudillon
This mask is the most known of the Toma masks. The Toma, established between Guinea and Liberia, are said to have invented the Poro ritual, which appeared in the 16th century. This ritual of initiation was then assimilated by several populations of West Africa, the Mende, the Kissi, the Kpelle, the Bassa and the Senufos.
The Angbaï mask has a prominent front with concealed eyes and is used during ceremonies that bring the community together. It often displays carved horns and pointed eyelashes that refer to the animal world. This mask is worn by a dancer whose costume is made of skins and fur.
The face of this Angbaï mask is very schematic and this feature is accentuated by the very detailed sculpture work done on the temples, the forehead and the upper part. The hairstyle composed of braids is distinguished from the two pairs of curved horns (small and large). These are about growth and the different ages of life in the animal world.
Toma people
Guinea
Mid XX century
H. 44 cm
Provenance :
04/10/2000 Auction sale, Orléans, France. Described by French scholar Jean Roudillon
This mask is the most known of the Toma masks. The Toma, established between Guinea and Liberia, are said to have invented the Poro ritual, which appeared in the 16th century. This ritual of initiation was then assimilated by several populations of West Africa, the Mende, the Kissi, the Kpelle, the Bassa and the Senufos.
The Angbaï mask has a prominent front with concealed eyes and is used during ceremonies that bring the community together. It often displays carved horns and pointed eyelashes that refer to the animal world. This mask is worn by a dancer whose costume is made of skins and fur.
The face of this Angbaï mask is very schematic and this feature is accentuated by the very detailed sculpture work done on the temples, the forehead and the upper part. The hairstyle composed of braids is distinguished from the two pairs of curved horns (small and large). These are about growth and the different ages of life in the animal world.
Toma people
Guinea
Mid XX century
H. 44 cm
Provenance :
04/10/2000 Auction sale, Orléans, France. Described by French scholar Jean Roudillon
This mask is the most known of the Toma masks. The Toma, established between Guinea and Liberia, are said to have invented the Poro ritual, which appeared in the 16th century. This ritual of initiation was then assimilated by several populations of West Africa, the Mende, the Kissi, the Kpelle, the Bassa and the Senufos.
The Angbaï mask has a prominent front with concealed eyes and is used during ceremonies that bring the community together. It often displays carved horns and pointed eyelashes that refer to the animal world. This mask is worn by a dancer whose costume is made of skins and fur.
The face of this Angbaï mask is very schematic and this feature is accentuated by the very detailed sculpture work done on the temples, the forehead and the upper part. The hairstyle composed of braids is distinguished from the two pairs of curved horns (small and large). These are about growth and the different ages of life in the animal world.