Anthropomorphic mask Culture Toma, Guinea Late 19th century

Anthropomorphic mask
Culture Toma, Guinea
End of the XIXth - beginning of the XXth century
Wood, fabric, metal and pigments
H .: 58; L .: 33 cm
Sold with its base

Four protuberances crown the mask, its brow bone is straight, sculpted horizontally, it forms a T with the nasal bridge. The eyes are two holes arranged on either side of the latter. The mouth is nonexistent.
Two metal inserts, most likely coins, are placed at the temples. The rim has retained some of its fabric - which served to conceal the dancer's body.

They dance on the occasion of the last stage of the initiatory rite of the Poro.

Ref: BM9L697N53