This hand carved Toma mask is an interesting pieces of artwork. There are carved geometric designs and striations on the front of the mask. The mask measures 28 inches tall and weighs 4.5 pounds. There are some cracks on the horn and minor imperfections – please inspect photos. The stand is not included but can be purchased for an additional fee.
| Type of Object | Face Mask |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Guinea |
| Ethnicity | Toma, Thoma |
| Material | Wood and pigment |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height (Inches) | 28" |
| Width (Inches) | 11" |
| Depth (Inches) | 5" |
| Weight (Pounds) | 4.5 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Crack on the horn, scuffing and minor imperfections. |
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.