All items carefully packed & shipped after payment received & cleared via PayPal. Unless otherwise specified in the item description, shipping to the U.S. will generally be via USPS Priority Mail, USPS Parcel Post, or UPS. Expedited shipping upgrade is available & optional. Will ship worldwide, with international shipping rates to be determined by buyer's location. Insurance optional/additional. Seller not responsible for any damages incurred during shipping nor for any Customs-related fees for non-U.S. shipments.

Description:

From our personal collection, on offer is this dynamic nyabwa face mask from the Bete peoples of Liberia. Used in various ceremonial rituals, such masks were also worn in preparation for war, as well as during judicial proceedings within the tribal community. Bete face masks share certain traits among those produced by neighboring peoples in the Ivory Coast region, such as the Dan/Grebo, We, & Gere.

Quite haunting are this mask's double-sets of piercing eyes & prominent horn-like protuberances. A carved "bar" is positioned just underneath the characteristically high-domed brow, while the mouth features protruding lips.

Despite some imperfections in the wood, including native repairs, abrasions, minor nicks, dry age cracks, & along the back rim, a couple of gouges & splits (basically visible only from the back), this imposing mask is in good overall condition. Well-developed patina, encrusted in places. Powerful display.