The threatening appearance of this mask,
combining various features of animals, relates to
its purpose. Long, arching antelope horns;
fierce, sharp fangs; and a variety of smaller tusks
and horns are meant to frighten away evil, for
this mask battled the forces of malevolent spirits
that haunt the world of the living. The long
snout further recalls the mouth of an alligator or
hyena. The mask derives its power from magical
and medicinal substances that would have been
placed inside the small dish held atop of the
mask by a stylized chameleon. However, the
power of this mask could not be fully effectual
until it was worn and danced. The identity of the
masquerader would have been further concealed
by a cloth costume attached to the holes at the
base of the helmet mask. Such masks are
sometimes known as “firespitters” after the belief
that hot coals were contained inside the mouth
and spewed forth by the dancer, a frightening
effect that underscores the forceful nature of
such masks. Due to the dangerous powers such
masks embody, they are often kept away from
the village in sacred groves or isolated shelters
in the bush relating to the Poro society. The
Poro society, a secret group of males in charge
with initiating young men into the ways of life
and governance, uses a variety of mask, of which
this is but one. This mask, painted with a series
of colorful speckles, would have elegantly
conveyed the forces of evil that are inherent
within the universe. Furthermore, this mask
would have given the young initiates into the
Poro society a weapon with which they could
battle evil and restore peace and clam to the
village.
- (PF.6158)
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