Africa

Toma Poro Society mask

West Africa
West Africa

Q:  Bought with a lot of PNG material, but seems not to fit with them. 14 inches long. I’m mostly interested in masks from Oceania and Europe.  Kim, 759

A:  At first I did not recognize this mask, but I now realize it is a very simple version of the well-known masks used for boys participating in initiation rituals of the Poro Society throughout the Toma ethnic group located in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. You can see a much different one at the African section of this site, or go to Google images and search Toma masks. I’m not sure of its authenticity, but the style is traditional and I would consider it quite collectible. I apologize for taking so long to deliver this good news.  B+

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