Guere (Wè) Carved Wooden ‘War’ Mask from Liberia
A Guere, or Wè, carved wooden mask from Liberia, with a deliberately fierce expression and decoration incorporating metal, fibre and animal-derived elements.
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This powerful carved wooden mask was created by the Guere, or Wè, people of Liberia. Its deliberately intimidating face is decorated with metal, fibre and animal-derived elements.
Although commonly described as a Guere ‘war mask’, masks of this type served broader roles within the community. They were used in policing, funerary ceremonies and the enforcement of laws, with their fierce appearance intended to frighten enemies and wrongdoers.
The mask has prominent tubular eyes, projecting ears, painted detail and a dense fibre collar fitted with small metal bells. Visible wear includes flaking paint, minor wood splits and tarnishing to the metal elements; please refer to the photographs for the full condition.
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