This mask was carved in the style of the Toma people of Guinea. The mask features a teeth baring expression with an interesting design on the forehead. It measures 20.5 inches tall and weighs 7 pounds. There are some cracks, scrapes and scuffs throughout – please inspect photos. Stand is not included.
Sale!
Intriguing Toma Mask 20.5″- Guinea – African Tribal Art
Original price was: $350.00.$175.00Current price is: $175.00.
1 in stock
| Type of Object | Face Mask |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Guinea |
| Ethnicity | Toma, Thoma |
| Material | Wood and pigment |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height (Inches) | 20.5" |
| Width (Inches) | 8" |
| Depth (Inches) | 7.5" |
| Weight (Pounds) | 7 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Cracks, scrapes and scuffs – please inspect photos |
Tribe Information
About the Toma People
“The Toma people of Guinea (known as Loma in Liberia) number 200,000 and live in the high-altitude rain forest lying across the Guinea-Liberia border. Artistically, their reputation rests on their Landai mask which has an articulated crocodile jaw and a flattened, stylized human face. This mask symbolically devours Poro society candidates at the end of their initiation period, after which they are revived as full members of this sodality. Some rare figures exist which are kept within each household.”
Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.
