Bete Nyabwa MaskTribe: Bete
Country: Ivory Coast
Material: Wood, Cowrie Shells, Metal
Size: 19.5" (49.5 cm) Tall
The Bete are renowned for the Nyabwa mask, which has exagerated, grimacing, distorted features, a large protruding mouth,
facial protuberances, bulging forehead, elongated nose, with nostrils sometimes extending
to each side of the face, and globular or bulging slit eyes set beneath a high-domed
forehead carved with a medium ridge. In earlier days, 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.
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