LARGE WE (KRAN, GERE, GUERE WOBE, GWERE, NGERE WOBO, WEE) African Mask figure

Description

Modern ethnology puts the Wobe and Guere together under the name We, despite the fact that the people themselves use the old names. The We population is estimated at 100,000.
The art of Guere and Wobe people is stylistically connected and both groups are often collectively referred to as We, meaning "men who easily forgive."
Like the Dan, the We use a wide variety of masquerades, which hold important regulatory position within their small, egalitarian communities. Masks are owned by families and used by individual lineage members in contexts of social control, boy’s circumcision camps, and entertainment.
Most We masks were created to frighten with the gaping jaws and tubular eyes. We people produce a variety of masks often characterized by enlarged triangular nose, an open mouth and tubular eyes.
I purchased this at least 15 years ago and have lost any documentation I may have had a bout previous provenance. Sorry.
15” tall, 17” wide, 8" deep
Wood and lots of brass tacks.
All my auctions are starting at .99 and no reserve. I’m open to reasonable offers. I have spent a great deal of money on my collection over the years, will see if I break even.
I am a private collector, and have acquired too much, my loss is your gain. I am not a professional in the tribal art field, so all items are sold “in the style of” per eBay policies.
I am using the eBay shipping calculator. Any charge over actual cost will be returned to the buyer.