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A Powerful Female ‘Bakorozai’ Initiation Mask

$38,000

£28,601.08VAT Included

€33,461.51

CA$53,742.60

A$54,586.06

CHF 31,456.38

MX$659,045.85

NOK 365,395.60

SEK 368,444.27

DKK 250,135.72

About the Item

A Powerful Female ‘Bakorozai’ Initiation Mask The brown patina testifies to the ritual use and great age of this rare mask Wood Loma / Guerze-Kpelle, Liberia Late 19th Century Size: 29cm high - 11½ ins high Provenance: Ex Dintenfass collection, USA Ex Lucas Ratton, Paris, France Ex Private English collection Called ‘Bakorozai’ in the vernacular language of Liberia, the mask was sued during the initiation ‘rite’ of the ‘Poro’ which takes place every seven or ten years. During the initiation ceremonies young boys learn to become men, taking place in the forest ‘sacred wood’. In Liberia, the hierarchy of the ‘Poro’ constitutes a real political, commercial and military structure. The masks of the ‘Poro’ are endowed with great powers which enable them to watch over and protect the young initiates. This female ‘Bakororzai’ mask is distinct from its masculine ‘Bakorogui’ counterpart. The stretched almond shaped eyes are a sign of beauty and discretion while the open mouth indicates that the mask can ‘speak’ when it appears.

Dimensions:
Height: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood
Place of Origin:
Liberia
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Late 19th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU9363243329302

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