This mask type, also referred to as ‘Gre’ or ‘Nyabwa’, was used among the Ngere (aka Guéré or Wé) of southwestern Ivory Coast during war dances and for the administration of justice.
The present mask is a typical example of this Ngere style: carved from light brown wood and shaped into an aggressive, dynamic, powerful composition of human of animal features. With a markedly protruding, semicircular forehead, deep-set tubular eyes and a prominent, dominant nose. With upturned projections on both cheeks, probably inspired by the tusks of the wart hog. The extremely large mouth of the mask displays strong fangs at its outer edges and is dyed red on the inside as as well as in its upper and lower sections. The lower jaw is hinged and tied to the upper jaw, originally by means of leather strips, now with added rubber bands. The lower jaw displays an old piece of animal skin on the underside.
Overall an impressive, old object, dyed black and red (mouth) on the outside, with remains of white and red (nose) underpaint, and with small residual traces of a black beard between the nose and the upper lip.
Good, old usage patina (on the inside!) and some age-related damage (colour scuffed, some abrasion, and small cracks).
First third of the 20th century; H: 31 cm. (ME)

Provenance: Austrian Collection.

Lit.: 'The Tribal Arts of Africa' by J.-B. Bacquart, p. 44, fig. 5, p. 46; 'Die Kunst des schwarzen Afrika' by Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan, fig. 367.