Antique African Carved Toma Landai Tribal Ceremonial Mask Guinea Art Horns 39"

Description

Early antique hand carved Toma or Landai mask from Guinea, Africa. “These brooding, often quite large, masks represent a forest spirit, Landai. Masks like these were used by the men's Poro Society to initiate boys into manhood. The masks, in what was often a frightening ritual for the boys, would symbolically swallow the boy, who would then re-emerge as a man. The masks were worn with a large raffia costume. Most have a flat face, the traditional beaked nose, jaws of teeth, protruding brow and horns.”

Purchased from the collection of Paul Gotay. Paul is a recognized African art collector and Defense Attorney out of Nevada. His collections have been displayed in Salt Lake City as well as prominent museums and galleries across the US.

Condition

Good Overall - Gentle marks/wear throughout; see pictures

Dimensions

9.5” x 7” x 39” (Width x Depth x Height)