9397. Wee Ji Gla or Kagle or Go Ge Mask

Liberia, Ivory Coast

This used and aged mask comes from the Wee peoples of western Ivory Coast and eastern Liberia who are also know as the Kran in Liberia and the Ngere or Guere in Ivory Coast. It has complex magical and ceremonial significance which can be illustrated in the profusion of objects and materials attached to it. The dynamic sculptural forms with the protruding eye-like tubular cylinders fitted with metal gear-like coverings, the bulging forehead covered with a headdress and shells and the striking powerful forms of the face covered with the application of magical materials and with very strange open mouth all carry potent and symbolic visual messages. The mask has been built up with colorful strips of cloth, cotton cords, and the line of bells at the chin with strands of beads outlining the mouth that has metal teeth adds to the very powerful visual presence. Masks like this were meant to instill fear through their appearance combining exaggerated human features with obvious symbolic identification with animals of the wild bush and also the use of magical substances to control social behavior. Among the Wee and other neighboring groups masks are identified and named based upon their symbolic identification and if this well mask is indeed a ?ji gla? mask, it would have appeared with a very large costume of leaves or grasses and cloths covering the wearer so that he would e invisible to the viewers and to make the mask appear to be a Ge - a spirit.

Some of the costume remains on the back of the mask surrounded by medusa-like strands of cloth and cord. It should be noted that the cloth on the mask appears to be locally woven cotton cloth and cord and indicated some substantial age.

16-1/4 inches + mount.

Original Price: $5,000

Special Price: $3,650

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