Warrior Mask / Power Mask - Grebo - Côte d'Ivoire
05
days
17
hours
47
minutes
51
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Grebo wooden mask from Côte d'Ivoire, titled Masque de guerrier / de puissance, with dimensions 455 mm high, 190 mm wide and 110 mm deep, in good condition, associated with warrior societies and ritual or social control use.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Ivory Coast
Grebo
Wood
Height: 455 mm
Width: 190 mm
Depth: 110 mm
This mask is a Grebo (or Grébo / Krou) mask typical of the east of Ivory Coast and the west of Liberia.
It is a mask of power and social control, mainly linked to warrior or traditional police societies.
Primary use: It was worn during war dances, during ceremonies preparing for battle, or to intimidate the enemy. The protruding tubular eyes served to frighten opponents by giving them a supernatural and terrifying appearance.
It also intervened in ritual contexts:
Funerals and funeral dances.
Resolution of conflicts between clans (lands, hunting, etc).
Ritual of “purification” against those who consumed the “doubles” (souls).
Initiations and manifestations of forest spirits.
Today, many of these masks are used in collective entertainment dances, but originally they were strongly linked to the spiritual world and to warrior authority.
Detailed symbolism
The tubular eyes (the most characteristic):
They symbolize omnivoyance (the ability to see in all directions, the past, present and future).
They represent extreme vigilance, clairvoyance, and supernatural power. The mask bearer is no longer a mere human: he embodies a spirit capable of watching everything and detecting invisible forces or dangers.
The long plank mask form:
It evokes strength, rigidity and authority. It is a very abstract and geometric form, typical of Grebo/Krou art, which has even inspired modern artists like Picasso (cubist forms).
The long, prominent nose:
Often interpreted as a sign of determination and refusal to retreat (warrior symbol).
The rectangular dented mouth:
It expresses power, authoritative speech, or the ability to “bite” / punish. It reinforces the intimidating aspect.
The patina and signs of wear:
This mask shows a beautiful patina of ancient wear with fixing cords still present.
In conclusion:
This mask embodies a forest spirit or an almighty warrior ancestor, capable of seeing the invisible and of protecting or punishing the community. It is not “beautiful” in the Baoulé sense (refined), but powerful and frightening, which is exactly what was expected of it in its original context.
Packages are sent from Monday to Saturday with insurance and tracking number. `
Delivery between 1 and 3 days in France with Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union.
Delivery in the rest of Europe and worldwide with Colissimo international.
We speak english
Mask african art Afrikanische Maskenkunst arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane
statue african art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst
Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano
Seller's Story
Passionate about World Arts and more specifically about African Art, we buy from collectors, former officials, military, health workers, public works staff who have worked in Africa and also in Côte d'Ivoire, from antique dealers and traders who roam across West Africa to find quality objects.
It is with pride that we present works that, beyond their power to beautify spaces, invite our collectors to resonate with the richness and depth of human expression through the most authentic art.
At Arts Ethniques Gallery, we have the privilege of offering our visitors an exclusive selection of artworks, all unique and original. Each piece presented is the outcome of a demanding artistic approach, driven by a singular vision and mastered craftsmanship, all elements that guarantee authenticity and value.
The works we offer are not industrial reproductions. They are individual creations, crafted with sensitivity and precision, each bearing its own story, identity and presence. Originality is the very foundation of our commitment to excellence. Thus, every mask and every statue in our collection is the subject of a rigorous selection, in order to preserve their rarity and singularity.
Acquiring a work from Arts Ethniques Gallery means owning a truly unique piece: a creation that embodies both talent, cultural memory and the expressive force of African art. It is also a lasting investment in a work whose artistic and emotional value transcends time.
We guarantee that every work leaving our gallery is an authentic piece, without replicas, bearing witness to the creativity, heritage and passion of the African artists who shaped them.
We invite you to participate in our gallery’s auctions with confidence. Each presented work is an original, unique and irreplaceable creation, selected with the greatest rigor to guarantee its authenticity and artistic value.
Whether you wish to enrich a personal collection or introduce an exceptional artwork into your space, Arts Ethniques Gallery offers a safe, transparent and professional setting to acquire remarkable pieces.
Art auctions are a privileged moment to discover rare works, capable of becoming the heart of a collection. Acquiring a work at our sales is not just buying an object: it is investing in a creation whose aesthetic value and cultural reach reinforce over time.
The pieces presented by Arts Ethniques Gallery testify not only to the talent and vision of the artists but also possess the ability to transform spaces and enrich the gaze of those who behold them.
Participating in our auctions is taking part in a singular experience, where the passion for art meets the rigors of collecting. Bidding on a work from Arts Ethniques Gallery goes beyond a simple transaction: it is a gesture of commitment and appreciation for art in its most authentic form.
We invite you to bid with passion and to join us in this adventure dedicated to discovery, transmission and celebration of art.
Perhaps your next heart piece is already waiting for you."
Translated by Google TranslateIvory Coast
Grebo
Wood
Height: 455 mm
Width: 190 mm
Depth: 110 mm
This mask is a Grebo (or Grébo / Krou) mask typical of the east of Ivory Coast and the west of Liberia.
It is a mask of power and social control, mainly linked to warrior or traditional police societies.
Primary use: It was worn during war dances, during ceremonies preparing for battle, or to intimidate the enemy. The protruding tubular eyes served to frighten opponents by giving them a supernatural and terrifying appearance.
It also intervened in ritual contexts:
Funerals and funeral dances.
Resolution of conflicts between clans (lands, hunting, etc).
Ritual of “purification” against those who consumed the “doubles” (souls).
Initiations and manifestations of forest spirits.
Today, many of these masks are used in collective entertainment dances, but originally they were strongly linked to the spiritual world and to warrior authority.
Detailed symbolism
The tubular eyes (the most characteristic):
They symbolize omnivoyance (the ability to see in all directions, the past, present and future).
They represent extreme vigilance, clairvoyance, and supernatural power. The mask bearer is no longer a mere human: he embodies a spirit capable of watching everything and detecting invisible forces or dangers.
The long plank mask form:
It evokes strength, rigidity and authority. It is a very abstract and geometric form, typical of Grebo/Krou art, which has even inspired modern artists like Picasso (cubist forms).
The long, prominent nose:
Often interpreted as a sign of determination and refusal to retreat (warrior symbol).
The rectangular dented mouth:
It expresses power, authoritative speech, or the ability to “bite” / punish. It reinforces the intimidating aspect.
The patina and signs of wear:
This mask shows a beautiful patina of ancient wear with fixing cords still present.
In conclusion:
This mask embodies a forest spirit or an almighty warrior ancestor, capable of seeing the invisible and of protecting or punishing the community. It is not “beautiful” in the Baoulé sense (refined), but powerful and frightening, which is exactly what was expected of it in its original context.
Packages are sent from Monday to Saturday with insurance and tracking number. `
Delivery between 1 and 3 days in France with Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union.
Delivery in the rest of Europe and worldwide with Colissimo international.
We speak english
Mask african art Afrikanische Maskenkunst arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane
statue african art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst
Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano
Seller's Story
Passionate about World Arts and more specifically about African Art, we buy from collectors, former officials, military, health workers, public works staff who have worked in Africa and also in Côte d'Ivoire, from antique dealers and traders who roam across West Africa to find quality objects.
It is with pride that we present works that, beyond their power to beautify spaces, invite our collectors to resonate with the richness and depth of human expression through the most authentic art.
At Arts Ethniques Gallery, we have the privilege of offering our visitors an exclusive selection of artworks, all unique and original. Each piece presented is the outcome of a demanding artistic approach, driven by a singular vision and mastered craftsmanship, all elements that guarantee authenticity and value.
The works we offer are not industrial reproductions. They are individual creations, crafted with sensitivity and precision, each bearing its own story, identity and presence. Originality is the very foundation of our commitment to excellence. Thus, every mask and every statue in our collection is the subject of a rigorous selection, in order to preserve their rarity and singularity.
Acquiring a work from Arts Ethniques Gallery means owning a truly unique piece: a creation that embodies both talent, cultural memory and the expressive force of African art. It is also a lasting investment in a work whose artistic and emotional value transcends time.
We guarantee that every work leaving our gallery is an authentic piece, without replicas, bearing witness to the creativity, heritage and passion of the African artists who shaped them.
We invite you to participate in our gallery’s auctions with confidence. Each presented work is an original, unique and irreplaceable creation, selected with the greatest rigor to guarantee its authenticity and artistic value.
Whether you wish to enrich a personal collection or introduce an exceptional artwork into your space, Arts Ethniques Gallery offers a safe, transparent and professional setting to acquire remarkable pieces.
Art auctions are a privileged moment to discover rare works, capable of becoming the heart of a collection. Acquiring a work at our sales is not just buying an object: it is investing in a creation whose aesthetic value and cultural reach reinforce over time.
The pieces presented by Arts Ethniques Gallery testify not only to the talent and vision of the artists but also possess the ability to transform spaces and enrich the gaze of those who behold them.
Participating in our auctions is taking part in a singular experience, where the passion for art meets the rigors of collecting. Bidding on a work from Arts Ethniques Gallery goes beyond a simple transaction: it is a gesture of commitment and appreciation for art in its most authentic form.
We invite you to bid with passion and to join us in this adventure dedicated to discovery, transmission and celebration of art.
Perhaps your next heart piece is already waiting for you."
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Indigenous object name
Warrior Mask / Power Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Grebo
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Sold by
