Mask Item Number: 3522/37 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Wooden animal face mask with a pronounced brow and smooth face. Semi-circular indents above wide slit-like eyes, imitating eye lids; lids are coloured with grey-white pigment. Deep linear impression across entire length of forehead, dividing top of mask from the rest of the face. Nail extends from centre of impression. Small bundles of dark brown plant fibre adhered along upper lip, imitating facial hair. Triangular teeth extend from bottom edge of upper lip, covered in grey-white pigment; semi-circular tongue carved in low relief on bottom of mouth. Jaw is attached to mask with plant fibre ties and nails; plant fibre residue adhered to interior surface. Top and sides of mask are flat, jaw and upper lip are rounded; interior is hollow. Mask has holes for eyes and mouth; small holes drilled along sides and top.
Zoomorphic type of mask.
The donor taught in a rural school in Tobli, eastern Liberia, from 1965 to 1967.