A Powerful Female ‘Bakorozai’ Initiation Mask

The brown patina testifies to the ritual use and great age of this rare mask
Wood
Loma / Guerze-Kpelle, Liberia
Late 19th Century

Provenance:
Ex Dintenfass collection, USA
Ex Lucas Ratton, Paris, France
Ex Private English collection

Called ‘Bakorozai’ in the vernacular language of Liberia, the mask was sued during the initiation ‘rite’ of the ‘Poro’ which takes place every seven or ten years. During the initiation ceremonies young boys learn to become men, taking place in the forest ‘sacred wood’. In Liberia, the hierarchy of the ‘Poro’ constitutes a real political, commercial and military structure. The masks of the ‘Poro’ are endowed with great powers which enable them to watch over and protect the young initiates.
This female ‘Bakororzai’ mask is distinct from its masculine ‘Bakorogui’ counterpart. The stretched almond shaped eyes are a sign of beauty and discretion while the open mouth indicates that the mask can ‘speak’ when it appears.