Mask

Dan people, Liberia, African

20th century

  • Titles Mask (Descriptive)
  • Medium wood; encrustation
  • Dimensions 3 1/2 x 2 3/8 x 1 in. (8.9 x 6 x 2.5 cm)
  • Credit Line Gift of Benita S. Baird and Ronald E. Barab, 1987.115.2
  • Work Type mask
  • Classification Costume

See More of the Collection

Mask, Lega people, Democratic Republic of the Congo, African, wood, vegetable fiber, pigment
Florina Club (Bagadadji), Malick Sidibé, gelatin silver print
geometric design
Helmet mask with glossy, black surface; coiffure of fine plaits close to the skull leading to thick braid rising from top of head. Prominent, domed forehead, slitted "cowrie shell" shaped eyes, small mouth, nose, and ears; three vertical scarification marks on each cheek. Two bulging rings around neck; base of mask pierced with multiple holes for attachment of fiber costume. Function: Worn by women of the Sande Society during initiation of girls into the society, and on other occasions; morphology of the mask reflects Mende ideals of feminine beauty and power.