Grebo Mask with Tubular Eyes Liberia

The Grebo, residing in southeastern Liberia near the Ivory Coast border, are recognized for their masks, notably influential in early Western art—Picasso owned one obtained from his dealer in Paris. These masks exhibit remarkable geometric sculpting: flat faces, square mouths, rounded foreheads, triangular noses, and tubular eyes. Primarily used in the past by leaders during warfare to intimidate foes, these masks are now worn during elder funeral ceremonies. Originally worn on the face or as helmets atop the head, these masks symbolized leadership and struck fear into enemies during battle, although their use in warfare has ceased.

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