Female bush-spirit mask

This type of mask was created by the Gueré (or Gere, a subtribe of the Wè or Wee), as well as neighboring peoples the Dan, Bassa, and Mano of eastern Liberia and western Ivory Coast, though the style of this particular mask indicates it was likely carved by a Gueré artist. The Gueré use masks to embody forest spirits. Other than serving a protective purpose, the masks do not have a fixed function—their role can change over their lifetime. This mask is identified as female by its curved cheeks, along with its exuberant decoration, calm countenance, broad nose, slightly parted wide lips, and protruding slit eyes. A cloth tongue may have once protruded from the mouth, but it is no longer extant, and the teeth may be made of aluminum, glass, or animal teeth. The mask is surrounded by human hair, imported brass bells painted red on their interior, and artillery shells. These objects, which were considered empowering, would have enhanced the mask’s supernatural forces.