Toma identity mask, Guinea - Lot 329

Toma identity mask, Guinea Wood with black-brown patina, leather H. 24 cm Provenance : - Former Stéphane Martin collection, Paris - Galerie Alain de Monbrison Exhibition: Bois sacré - Initiation dans les forêts guinéennes, Musée du Quai Branly, Paris, 2014 This high-quality miniature mask, characteristic of the Toma people (present in Guinea and Liberia), is carved in the image of the large okobuzogui mask. The high-relief forehead forms a band above the rest of the face, which is left smooth. The soberly pierced eyes are set on either side of a short nose. Two horns and a central element stand vertically at the top of the composition, to which a piece of leather is attached on the back. The absence of a mouth is a striking symbol of silence. The silence strictly observed by the initiates of the poro, a secret male society, to which this small mask belongs. Beautiful old patina on this rare piece. Emmanuelle MENUET Tel : 0670895487 emenuet.expertises@gmail.com