A lovely carved wooden mask with a glossy painted surface and featuring a well carved scorpion image as the top finial.
These masks symbolizes the "Yu" or spirit power.
An elaborate coiffure with a scorpion motif complete the image. The outline of the
mask has a serrated edge. Masks like this are worn on 2 occasions - mainly during the "Lo"
ceremonies to appease the Yu or supernatural powers during funerary
processions, or the 'je' purifying celebration.
The function
of the mask is not fixed and can appear in either ceremony. Masks could not be seen by women, and were treated with
caution even by the men who danced them.
Height: 11" x width: 5 ½" and depth: 6 ½".
It is 17 ¼" tall on its custom wood display stand.
Ex. Dr. Gilbert Jackson, MD
