Mask of great expressiveness characterized by nacchera eyes and horns, nose, cheek and mouth prominent as in the typical style of Guere/ We of Ivory Coast. The mouth is accompanied by metal teeth and the presence of nails under eyes, cheeks and all around the perimeter of the face, suggest that this mask was "dress" with fabrics, fibers, hairs and any other material that contributed to increase its expressive power and at the same time to intimidate the observer.
One of the two narrow slits that allowed the dancer to see was voluntarily widened " in situ" and reinforced at the back to allow a wider view. Judging by the few layers of paint applied there is to assume that this mask has been little used during the rites, perhaps because of the problem of "visibility" and is therefore to be considered young, but the quality of the carving and the arrangement of the volumes of the face is remarkable (it remains rough only in the edge where "dressed" was covered by the fabrics). The black patina has been enriched and contrasted by kaolin (traces remain) and by little precious blue pigment.
Beautiful also on the back, the two labels now almost illegible Raffaele Carrieri collection that add history and charm to this umpteenth testimony of the creative genius of African art.