Grebo mask from the Grande Bereby region, Ivory Coast. Incl. Stand. This striking Grebo mask from the Grande Bereby region of the Ivory Coast exemplifies the powerful aesthetic and ritual traditions of the Grebo peoples. Carved from a single piece of wood, the mask features two prominent eyes and two sets of three perforations on either side, allowing visibility for its wearer during ceremonies. The surface bears traces of white and red pigment, remnants of its original polychrome finish, while feathers inserted into drilled holes atop the head and a faux beard affixed to the chin enhance its dynamic presence. Such masks were traditionally used in ritual performances, dances, and communal ceremonies that mediated between the human and spiritual realms, invoking ancestral protection or social order. The mask’s bold geometric form, meticulous craftsmanship, and layered adornments reflect both the spiritual potency and the artistic innovation characteristic of Grebo sculptural traditions. Damage to the feathers, signs of age and use. “The Grebo use several types of masks, some used for adult initiation or religious ceremonies. The most commonly seen is the war mask, used by warrior societies and formed in the shape of a plank with cylindrical eyes, numbering between two and twelve. The mask is danced in preparation for war and at the funerals of warriors.” Lit: Second Face, Museum of Cultural masks "The Grebo people inhabit the coast of Eastern Liberia and surrounding forests, and are a small ethnic group named after their migration from the Sahara region to Liberia, translating to "leaping monkey people." Known for their ferocity in battle, the construction of their mask work reflects their warrior culture, with flat war masks featuring 3D tubular eyes measuring up to a meter in height. These masks make appearances not only during battles but also at pre-dance rituals and funerals of fallen warriors. Aside from war masks, the Grebo also create tall, flat masks with large faces and painted "buffalo horns," as well as masks that represent the ideal female, characterized by slitted eyes and a gentle expression. Both of these mask types are used during initiation rites and festive events. Grebo masks have notably influenced the works of Pablo Picasso, who, alongside Georges Braque, created Cubism, a style that portrays subjects in 2D while combining multiple perspectives into one image. Picasso purchased a Grebo mask in the early 1900s, which inspired him as he developed Cubism, culminating in one of his most well-known works, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, featuring five nude women with angular bodies and faces inspired by the Grebo mask." Lit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Height: 40 cm without stand.