Large Mid-20th Century African Guéré (Wè) Gela Horn "War" Power Mask on Custom Stand

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An exceptionally rare and imposing exhibition-grade "Gela" power mask (frequently referred to as a warrior or war mask) crafted by … Read more An exceptionally rare and imposing exhibition-grade "Gela" power mask (frequently referred to as a warrior or war mask) crafted by the Guéré (Wè) people of the Ivory Coast and Liberia. This monumental specimen is notable for its substantial scale, measuring an impressive 18 inches wide by 20 inches high.

The mask is anchored by a heavily carved, thick oval wooden core hidden beneath a spectacular, dense explosion of forward-thrusting and outward-radiating natural animal horns. The entire external face is bound with textured leather, cloth wrap, and a dark, thick organic patina resulting from generations of ritual libations and forest-plant compounds. The hollow reverse cleanly exposes the ancient, hand-gouged wood core along with its historical perimeter holes once used to lash an expansive raffia costume.

A powerful statement piece for collectors of fine ethnographic art, tribal antiquities, or high-end Brutalist accents. The mask comes expertly fitted with a custom, circular interior metal support ring adapted to an included minimalist black metal gallery display stand.


Tags: African Art, Tribal Mask, Guere Mask, We Culture, Gela Mask, War Mask, Horn Mask, Ivory Coast Art, Liberian Antiquities, Ethnographic Art, Mid Century Tribal, Brutalist Sculpture, Statement Object, Gallery Display, Custom Stand, Ritual Artifact, Wood Carving, Organic Decor, Collector Artifact, Large Sculpture See less