Wè
Mask of Wisdom (Gbona Gla)
Wè, Early-mid 20th century
Physical Qualities
Wood, copper alloy bells, human hair, cowrie shells, zinc alloy teeth, pigment, plant fiber, cotton, 11 5/8 × 8 11/16 × 4 15/16 in. (29.5 × 22 × 12.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Sandra R. Leichtman, Baltimore
Object Number
1991.356
Power radiates from materials that accumulate on the surface of these objects. Without such adornment, these works would be commonplace, everyday. These expensive and eye-catching materials—horns, seeds, and shells, among others—speak to the spiritual and political authority of those who wear them, and draw a viewer’s eye toward important people and performances.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1991; Dr. Sandy Leichtman, Baltimore; formerly Arthur Barth, 1969
"Dimensions of Black", February 1970, LaJolla Museum of Art.
"Subverting Beauty: African Anti-Aesthetics", Jul 15, 2018 - Nov 17, 2019, BMA, Kevin Tervala.
"Subverting Beauty: African Anti-Aesthetics", Jul 15, 2018 - Nov 17, 2019, BMA, Kevin Tervala.
"Turning agianstbeauty," The Baltimore Sun, Arts and Entertainment section, Sunday, July 29, 2018
Sotheby's sale 5248 Nov 29, 1984 Lot 183.
