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Masks such as this are known among the various peoples of Liberia and the Ivory-Coast (Côte d'Ivoire). This style of horned mask is also found among either the Gio people of Liberia, where it was known as Bla glu, a sheep mask that was involved in the initiation of young boys into Poro. Representing Ge, who are spirits, they serve as visible symbols manifesting power, principles and deities to explain myths, cosmology and to maintain social order, settle disputes and where necessary declare war and bring peace. They also initiate the young and at times appear to entertain the people. They are uséd by the men's secret society called Poro as the enforcing arm of local authority and serve to harmonize relations with neighboring villages as Poro is not only local but equally links districts through the appearance of masks. Poro masks are identified with individual names and specific stylistic attributes. This mask is most probably from the Konor people who live in Liberia and the Ivory-Coast. Known as Bla Glu, or the sheep ‘ge’ (spirit), it was a war mask that appeared to start a war or to celebrate a victory. Women and children were never to see it as it was a mask that was most fearsome with its black face and with red cloth around the eyes. As a war mask it provided the magic to protect the warriors and could also call for human sacrifices in the past. Masks such as this had beards made of cord to which beads were attached when the mask appeared. The forehead incorporates the horns of a ram in a wonderfully sculpted form. There is neither red pigment remaining on the face . **134840** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2023 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. |
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Africa Direct, Inc. has been selling on eBay since 1997 and has received more than 56,000 positive feedbacks. It is owned by Eliza and Sara, who began the company after spending a year wandering southern Africa in a camper van with their multi-racial family. They have been honored with eBay's Hall of Fame award, and by eBay Giving Works, through which they have raised more than $125,000 in charity auctions. Customer Service: We treasure our many long term customers, and will try to make you one of them! If you have problems, please tell us... we care! Handling Time: We ship daily except Sundays and holidays. Most orders go out the same day, and all go out within 48 hours. Returns: We want you to be happy with your purchase. You're welcome to return an item within 30 days in the same condition you received it--just let us know you're returning it. You may have either a credit or a refund for your purchase price, not including shipping both ways. If your original payment was made through PayPal, we'll refund you through PayPal; if you paid us directly with your credit card, we'll refund the credit card. Combining Shipping: You are welcome to wait to pay, and to combine multiple items for shipping. We ask that you keep each order to 10 days or 10 items, whichever comes first--then start another order. When you're ready, just send us a list of item numbers or an invoice request and we'll send you an invoice. You can pay by Paypal or credit card. U.S. Shipping: Our staff take great care in packing our artwork, much of which is antique, irregularly-shaped, and fragile. The cost of labor and the special packing materials uséd is reflected in our shipping price. Our U.S. shipping charges also include insurance; we self-insure on smaller orders. For these reasons, our shipping and handling charges may be more than the price of postage. . International Shipping: We ship dozens of international orders each week, to customers on every continent except Antarctica! The shipping charges included in our listings are for U.S. orders. Contact us for shipping charges to your country. We offer uninsured USPS First Class airmail, insured Priority airmail, and insured Express airmail to most parts of the world, depending on the weight, volume, and value of an item. We also ship via FedEx or DHL on request. Import duties, taxes, and charges are NOT INCLUDED in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding / buying. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up -- do not confuse them for additional shipping charges. And please do not ask us to mark merchandise values below the actual value or mark items as "gifts"--U.S. and International government regulations prohibit such behavior. Newsletter, previews and special offers: Sign up for our newsletter |
