Mask (landa)

Toma people, Guinea, African

20th century

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Gold Weight in Pyramid Form, Akan group, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, African, brass
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.
Miniature Ladder, Dogon people, Mali, African, wood
Vertical antelope headdress with straight horns and curved ears; painted with white, red, and black linear geometric patterns