Mask (Von Gla)
Arts of Africa
This mask combines many diverse materials to create an image of power. Multiple eyes, warthog tusks, large teeth, and other power symbols such as rifle casings and a beard of authentic and wooden leopard’s teeth form a fierce countenance that frightens away negative forces.
MEDIUM
Wood, metal, fur, fiber, hair, leopard’s teeth, pigment
DATES
late 19th or early 20th century
DIMENSIONS
18 x 15 3/4 x 6 in. (45.7 x 40 x 15.2 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
75.189.4
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. Gordon Douglas III
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
The face mask, which appears to represent a bush spirit, contains animal and human composits. It has two protruding winglike ears and two sets of eyes: one castenet shaped; the other tubular. Its large open mouth contains a tongue covered with cloth, metal teeth, and on each side, a boar's tusk. Strung around the rim of the mask are ivory teeth, wooden pieces, nails, rope, raffia fiber, cloth and hair. White pigment has been applied to parts of the mask. The mask's condition is fragile. Pigment is missing in some areas and flaking in others; cloth attachments are worn and fragile.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
We. Mask (Von Gla), late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, metal, fur, fiber, hair, leopard’s teeth, pigment, 18 x 15 3/4 x 6 in. (45.7 x 40 x 15.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. Gordon Douglas III, 75.189.4. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 75.189.4_PS1.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 75.189.4_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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