Mask

Guerze people, Liberia, African

Late 19th century

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Blackish-brown globular vessel has neck and curved rim; four convex bands connect top of rim back to body of vessel, forming handles. Appliqued serpentine animals interspersed with sunburst or spider forms, raised ovals, and raised vertical lines adorn body of vessel.
Tall vertical plank surmounts circular "face." Patterns on plank are carved and painted with red, black, and white pigment. Patterns on front include two large "X" designs, one atop the other. Top of plank is sculpted into upturned crescent moon shape. Back of plank has checkerboard pattern. Hood "beak" shape extends from front of circular face, pointing downward toward circular "mouth" opening. Deep oval shape extends from back side of face to cover masquerader's face. Holes around edge of oval for rope to secure mask to back of masquerader's head.
Islamic Prayer Board (walaja), Mossi people, Burkina Faso, African, carved wood and pigment
Apron also referred to as mepetu, mapoto, or liphotho; with fringe and geometric design