Bété Nyabwa mask Ivory Coast

Old base from the second half of the 20th century, bété mask called "spider" mask from the ivory coast. Very good condition, beautiful general patina, presence of a fabric around the edge, the animal horns rest on a mask carved in wood. A hook at the top to attach the mask to the wall. This mask is particularly striking for its shape and volume. The elements that compose it are in projection. It symbolizes a recurring animal in tribal cosmogony of auric due to the west: the spider and more precisely the tarantula living in a burrow. The mask is intended to provoke fear and embody the negative forces of the forest. They were exhibited during funeral ceremonies or on the occasion of the gran, festivals of meetings between several villages. Formerly it was a war mask and had the mission of preparing men for combat. This mask is provided with horns turning over the mouth like the legs of the spider on its prey. After armed conflicts, this mask presided over peace-restoring ceremonies as well as customary justice sessions. - dimensions - l 21 X h 30 X d 27 cm approximately.