A Powerful Female ‘Bakorozai’ Initiation Mask
A Powerful Female ‘Bakorozai’ Initiation Mask
Period late 19th century
Medium Wood
Dimension 29 cm (11³/₈ inches)
The brown patina testifies to the ritual use and great age of this rare mask
Wood
Loma / Guerze-Kpelle, Liberia
Late 19th Century
Size: 29cm high - 11½ ins high
Period: late 19th century
Medium: Wood
Dimension: 29 cm (11³/₈ inches)
Provenance: Ex Dintenfass collection, USA
Ex Lucas Ratton, Paris, France
Ex Private English collection
Literature: Called ‘Bakorozai’ in the vernacular language of Liberia, the mask was sued during the initiation ‘rite’ of the ‘Poro’ which takes place every seven or ten years. During the initiation ceremonies young boys learn to become men, taking place in the forest ‘sacred wood’. In Liberia, the hierarchy of the ‘Poro’ constitutes a real political, commercial and military structure. The masks of the ‘Poro’ are endowed with great powers which enable them to watch over and protect the young initiates.
This female ‘Bakororzai’ mask is distinct from its masculine ‘Bakorogui’ counterpart. The stretched almond shaped eyes are a sign of beauty and discretion while the open mouth indicates that the mask can ‘speak’ when it appears.
Finch & Co
Antiquities, ethnographica, natural history, sculpture and works of art
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