Gre Warrior Mask

Origin: Bete Tribe, Ivory Coast
Composition: wood, natural pigment dye, metal tacks

The Bete are known for this famous mask—the “gre” or “nyabwa” mask, which presided over ceremonies held after armed conflicts; it was also used as a judge during disputes. Traditionally, “gre” masks were also worn to prepare men for war; the masks offered magical protection by instilling fear and terror in potential enemies. Nowadays, it is worn for a variety of ceremonies, including ent-ertainment dances.

This piece, with an unusually colorful patina (usually the colors on gre masks are more subdued), but very detailed carving, is spectacular and was purchased in the Ivory Coast by SUJARO in 2002. It is known to have been carved in the later part of the 20th century from information provided at the time of purchase.

The Ivory Coast is home to the Bete- they live between the Akan tribe to the east and the Guro tribe to the north. They number 350,000 and live in villages, with the eldest man of the main family at the head. Historically, they were hunters, but nowadays they also farm. Religion, omnipresent in Bete life, aims to maintain a harmonious relationship between nature and the ancestors who are responsible for the welfare of the tribe. Today the vast majority still follow their traditional culture and religion(s). Elaborate masquerades and ceremonies are performed by the men of the tribe who belong to dance societies. (passage from Bacquart, Tribal Arts of Africa).