A Beté mask from the Saioua region, Ivory Coast. Incl. stand. Bété masks are often characterized by their forceful, expressive, and sometimes fearsome forms. They commonly feature bold geometries, bulging eyes, protruding mouths with bared teeth, and dramatic horns or crests, symbolizing strength and spiritual power. Many are painted in dark hues—black, red, and white—with contrasting patterns that enhance their visual intensity during dance performances. The visual aggressiveness of these masks reflects their function: to impose order, deter malevolent forces, and communicate authority. During rituals, these masks are worn by initiated men who perform dances to communicate with the spirit world, enforce social order, and protect the community. The masks embody ancestral spirits and are believed to possess magical powers to ward off evil and bring about justice. “Potent embodiments of ancestral authority, their forceful visages crafted not simply to intimidate but to mediate between the living and the spirits. Their striking features and vigorous performances enact the ongoing dialogue between tradition, morality, and social cohesion.” Lit.: Robert Farris Thompson: African Art in Motion, (1974) MAZ05862 Height: 34 cm without stand.