Guere (Wè) Carved Wooden ‘War’ Mask from Liberia

This powerful carved wooden mask was created by the Guere, or Wè, people of Liberia. It is decorated with animal-derived elements, metal and fibre, including cowrie shells, bells and a dense fibre fringe.

Although widely called a Guere ‘war mask’, masks of this type had wider ceremonial and social functions. They were used for community policing, funerals and enforcing laws, with their deliberately frightening appearance intended to intimidate enemies and wrongdoers.

The carving features projecting painted ears, tubular eyes and bold facial forms. Please refer to the photographs for its full detail and condition.