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Kpelle

Insignia mask

Kpelle, Early 20th century

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Kpelle

Insignia mask

Kpelle, Early 20th century

Physical Qualities Wood, metal, 3 3/4 × 1 5/8 × 1 1/4 in. (9.5 × 4.2 × 3.2 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Robert and Mary Cumming, Baltimore
Object Number 1985.185
Miniature portraits of their owners, or nature spirits and ancestors, these tiny masks are carried in the pocket and used as insignia of ritual power. Some are owned by high-ranking male ritual leaders; some are given to young male initiates as needed. Like full-sized face masks, the miniatures are endowed with spiritual power, and are used in divination and protection against malevolent spirits. They may be buried with the owner at death, or bequeathed.

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