Grebo, Liberia

Miniature 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. The Grebo warriors were once greeted by masqueraders after successful raids, and similar military masquerades inspired them to fight. Besides face masks the Grebo carried small masks. They were sewn onto a piece of cloth and kept in a leather pouch and possibly worn at the back. They are miniature copies of ceremonial masks and sometimes received libations. These masks also act as witnesses during initiation ceremonies and protect the owner when he is away from home.

Material: wood

Size: 10½”x 3”x 1½”