Destination: Kumasi , Ghana

The Yaure people of Cote D’Ivoire are a small group living between two much larger groups—the Baoulé to the east and the Guro to the west—and while influenced by both, they have a rich culture of their own. Nowhere is this more evident than in the unique masks they produce, which typically feature a combination of human and animal elements and the signature Yaure serrated edge.

Representing the dangerous, yet necessary allies known as yu spirits, masks like this one were kept out of sight of women (lest their fertility be compromised) and handled with caution on special occasions. The black pigment indicates that it was probably used during the Lo funeral ceremony, which helps restore social equilibrium to a village after the death of someone important.