The Grebo are a people of West Africa present in east-central and south-eastern Liberia and western Ivory coast, in a largely forested area.
Grebo masks were early seen in Paris at the beginning of the XXth century. They attracted the attention of Picasso who was inspired by a Grebo mask, he bought in 1908, to make its famous « Guitar » sculpture from cardboard in 1912, regarded as the first cubist sculpture.
This headdress mask was worn on the forehead.
It embodies the living spirits of the forest and characters of the invisible world. It was used in initiation ceremonies or festive occasions to impress/ entertain the crowd.
This genuine piece has been danced, and bears traces of use.
Estimated age: about 60 years.
Grebo
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