Grebo, Liberia
War mask. The Grebo inhabit the coastal
region of eastern Liberia and the bordering forestlands. They are ruled by
a chief known as bodio who lives in near
total isolation and also assumed the function of grand priest. The Grebo masks incarnate the spirits of the invisible world who
live in the forest. Unlike the
other people living in Liberia, the Grebo are not structured by the Poro society. A characteristic trait of Grebo masks is polychrome painting. The Grebo warriors were once greeted by masqueraders after
successful raids, and similar military masquerades inspired them to fight. European
artists were entranced by the reversals of positive and negative forms on these bold,
arresting objects. Symbolizing the implacable nature of battle, this war mask is designed
primarily to terrify. These masks appeared also during the funerals of warriors. Tubular
projections represent several sets of extra eyes.
Material: wood
Size:
23½x10½x6