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Exquisite /Rare Large African Dan-Bete Gre Mask ArtTribal I.Coast 27
Exquisite /Rare Large African Dan-Bete Gre Mask ArtTribal I.Coast 27
Exquisite /Rare Large African Dan-Bete Gre Mask ArtTribal I.Coast 27
Exquisite /Rare Large African Dan-Bete Gre Mask ArtTribal I.Coast 27
Exquisite /Rare Large African Dan-Bete Gre Mask ArtTribal I.Coast 27
Exquisite /Rare Large African Dan-Bete Gre Mask ArtTribal I.Coast 27
Exquisite /Rare Large African Dan-Bete Gre Mask ArtTribal I.Coast 27

Exquisite /Rare Large African Dan-Bete Gre Mask ArtTribal I.Coast 27" H

$ 354.55

Availability: 12 in stock
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Cote d'Ivoire
  • Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
  • Condition: Used

    Description

    Exquisite /Rare Large African Dan-Bete Gre Mask Art Tribal I.Coast 27"H by 7"  w 7" D
    it shows a restoration on the top of the mask pls check photos
    overall good condition
    thanks
    Bete carvers are renowned for one particular type of face mask, the gre or nyabwa , which exaggerated, grimacing distorted features – a large protruding mouth, facial protuberances, elongated nose like bird , this mask presided over the ceremony held when peace was restored after armed conflicts and it participated in sessions of customary justice. This type of mask was also worn to prepare men for war; the masks offered magical protection by instilling fear and terror in potential enemies. Nowadays, it is worn for a variety of ceremonies, including entertainment dances. The Bete are divided into ninety-three groups. Lacking centralized power, the Bete were grouped together in relatively major villages, containing several lineages. Each lineage had a totemic animal whose meat was taboo. The most senior member of the lineage exercised a moral and judicial power, notably in terms of awarding land. The Bete, who ascribed more importance to the hunt than to agriculture, grew only what was needed for their subsistence economy.