Mau (Dan Maou, Mao), Côte d’Ivoire

Koma ceremonial Mask. The Mau people, a Malinke group, occupy the northwest part of the Dan territory. The koma men’s association is active not only among the Mau, but spreads as far as the Wobe and into the northern Dan region. They carve face masks with chin issuing a long beak. This type of mask is feared by the population as it has a judiciary function and is worn to denounce spell-casters. The Mau masks are sacred; they do not represent spirits of the wilderness, they are these spirits. Such masks were given sacrificial libations intended to combat destructive forces.

Material: wood

Size: H.20”, W. 11 ½”, D. 4 ½”

Price: $150 + $28 (S&H)                        [#N4D8M340]