Face Mask

Wobe - Ivory Coast

Wood

13.5" x 9"

The We, whose name means 'men who easily forgive', live in the forests on the western frontier of the Ivory Coast.  They are in fact two separate tribes - the Gere and the Wobe - although they share numerous customs and beliefs.  Confederations govern the tribes - the largest is the warrior confederation which is led by a military chief, who also acts as a civil authority.  The family unit plays an important role in the We social life.  Each is led by the patriarch, revered for his wisdom and wealth, who supervises the clans life - he organises weddings, settles conflicts and influences religious life.

Wobe masks have protruding globular eyes and enlarged lips.  The horns fornd on Gere masks are usually absent from the Wobe ones.