West African Ceremonial Mask with Ram Horns

This wood mask is a one of a kind mask, hand carved by the artists of West Africa and is 12 inches in length.

This Guro mask was used at burials or initiation ceremonies of ancient secret society. Its ram horns make it a representation of the bush spirit and it would have been important in ceremonies to connote or as a reinforcement of the practice of sacrificing rams to mark the passage of a spirit through the shedding of blood either by death or admission into an ancient cult. The spiritual transmutation by actual or symbolic passing is reflected in the closed and placid eyes of the mask.

Its collar is made to serve as furnishing for raffia which would be wrapped around the ceremonial mask. The raffia itself would enhance the spiritual power of the mask.

• Name : Magali Regis