Face Mask

Description

Central Côte d'Ivoire is characterized by cultural assimilation and adoption. Connections can be seen in masquerades and in composite mask forms. Here, masks often blend human and animal features, and the depiction of elephant traits is a recurring theme. Yaure peoples associated elephant masks with a cult called Dye, and they appear when important sacrifices have to be made.

Provenance

Harry Franklin, Los Angeles (by 1965); Katherine White Reswick, by purchase from the above (1965–71)

Face Mask

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early 1900s

Accession Number

1971.296

Medium

Wood, paint, and colorant

Dimensions

Overall: 31.7 cm (12 1/2 in.)

Classification

Mask

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Katherine C. White