We,
Liberia and Côte dIvoire
Bugle face mask.
The We population estimated at 100,000. live in the southwest
of the forested Côte dIvoire and the southeast of Liberia. They are in fact two separate ethnic groups the
Guere (also known as Ngere) and the Wobe although they share numerous customs and
beliefs. Rice, yams, taro, manioc, maize, and bananas are the primary crops grown. Farming
and hunting have been largely replaced by laboring in the diamond camps or working at the
rubber plantations. Confederations
govern both ethnic groups -- the largest is the warrior confederation, which is led by a
military chief, who also acts as a civil authority. As symbols of societal
beliefs and values, their masks reinforce respect for the rules and functioning of
society. This mask represents a forest spirit. Formerly, bugle masks carried
out important social control functions, including judicial decisions, law enforcement,
criminal punishment, fine collection, and dispute settlement. Their aggressive, lively
performance was intended to instruct in proper behavior, although in recent decades this
punitive power has declined.
Material:
wood, tacks, tissue, animal hair, feathers
Size:
13½x10x6