Wood Mask with Metal Teeth

Wood Mask with Metal Teeth

Poro mask carved wood with metal teeth.

Each has its own spirit and name. They can accumulate power through repeated sacrifices. Everyone wearing a mask is accompanied by musicians and assistants. The most used masks are the most important and represent a powerful spirit. People who own one of these can act as judges, lawgivers and peacemakers. They make the choice between war and peace, no one dares lie in their presence. In the past, prisoners were sacrificed to the masks. Today these masks are regularly fed with the blood of cock, palm oil, and kola nut. The other masks, which aren't used as much, don't have as much power. They are protecting patrons of fishermen and smiths, twins and travelers, they resist evil-doers, those who eat children and adulterers; they watch over household affairs, protect pregnant women, help children, women, and cure sickness, like facial paralysis and stuttering.

04071999

Wood
Metal

1998.44

Africa
Liberia
Dan (Ngere)

10” H x 4 ¾” W