Wè
Mask of Wisdom (Gbona Gla)
Wè, Early 20th century
Scroll
Wè
Mask of Wisdom (Gbona Gla)
Wè, Early 20th century
Physical Qualities
Wood, cloth, fur, feathers, hair, cowrie shells, shotgun shells, raffia, 13 x 10 1/4 in. (33 x 26 cm.)
Credit Line
Purchase with exchange funds from Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Gilliam
Object Number
1968.29
The unkempt ruffs of this We Mask of Wisdom (Gbona Gla) convey the forceful character of the forest spirit it represents. This spirit appears in times of trouble and its powerful nature allows it to perform important duties. The Mask of Wisdom might play peacemaker during a breach between families, resolve offenses against the village, or share in the community's grief at the funeral of a well-respected man.
The Baltimore Museum of Art, 'The Art of Liberia,' November 5, 1968 -January 5, 1969, cat. 5.
African Reinstallation, "Modern Masquerade," April 2015, Wurtzburger Galleries, BMA, Kathryn Gunsch.
African Reinstallation, "Modern Masquerade," April 2015, Wurtzburger Galleries, BMA, Kathryn Gunsch.
Frederick Lamp, 'African Art at The Baltimore Museum of Art,' African Arts, November 1983, Vol. XVII, No. 1, p. 44, ill. p. 44.
On View: Wurtzburger, Hallway
