Dan Mau Koma ba Mask

Liberia

Early 20th c

12 inches high x 4 3/4 inches wide

Ex: Pierre Bovis, Nice, Fr

Ex: René Rusmussen, Paris

SOLD

Dan Mau people live in the northwestern part of the Dan region.  Their masks are distinguished by a long beak-like form at the chin or mouth.  Long-beak masks known as koma-ba are associated with the hornbill which plays a central role in the foundation of Dan myths. These masks were feared by the general population as they served a judiciary function against witchcraft.