Bete Carved Wood Mask Côte d'Ivoire
Width: 7.5
Depth: 5.0
Description
Today the Bete people of the Ivory-Coast live along the Sassandra River in large villages organized according to family lineages. The Bété culture values the acknowledgement of human individuality. An individual known as a "chief" is chosen by the society for their demonstration of wisdom. This individual holds their position until their passing or any misconduct.
Like neighboring peoples such as the We or the Dan, the Bete carve and use figures of extraordinary form and inventiveness to represent important chiefs and honored ancestors during funerary ceremonies when they were presented to the village as part of a procession.
This mask has pronounced cheekbones and chin is made of solid wood and shows stylistic input from neighboring peoples such as the Baule. It is missing an ear on the left side. Its calm expression reflects a person of some importance, a leader, a social elite or priest.
Height: 12.0
Width: 7.5
Depth: 5.0
140274
Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Bete
Country of Origin: Côte d'Ivoire
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.