Horizontal Mask, Loma or Toma, Wood, African Artifact Start Price USD 390.00 Current Price USD 390.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 16, 2008 End Time Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Horizontal Mask, Loma or Toma, Wood, African Artifact' Description Horizontal Mask, Loma or Toma, Wood, African Artifact Type of Object: Mask Ethnic Group: Loma (In Liberia) or Toma (In Guinea) Country of Origin: Liberia, Guinea Materials: Wood, mirrors, Cloth, Pigment, and Organic Material. Approximate Age: Mid 20th century Dimensions: 28.5 inches long Overall Condition: Used Damage, Repair: Mirror eyes are broken, very encrusted patina, wear to fabric, some scrapes and chips Additional Information: Among the Loma people of Liberia who are identified as the Toma in Guinea, the men’s secret society known as Poro is the primary association for the initiation of all males and the means whereby social control is exercised. Powerful leaders of this secret society have badges of office and certain symbols reserved to them to influence initiates. Masks such as this were worn horizontally on the head and held by the projecting horns. Some of these horizontal masks appeared during initiations of youths into manhood while others were held in the men’s secret Poro Society precinct in the ‘bush’ where they were kept hidden from the uninitiated. The crude carving of the mask was consistent with the power of the mask that had magical amulets attached to it composed of magicl substances wrapped in native woven cloth. Mirrors were placed in the eyes to give it a more mystical appearance and enhance it’s power.**024281** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!