Cleveland Museum of Art

Mask

Date

early 1900s, before 1933–37

Medium

Wood, copper alloy, plant fiber, cloth, rawhide or leather, teeth, seeds, resin, synthetic material, iron, and glass beads

Culture

Africa, West Africa, Liberia, Mano-style carver

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Generally, Mano masks are considered to be manifestations of forest spirits and can be grouped into 11 major types relating to aspects of social control, political and judicial matters, peacemaking, education, competition, and entertainment. This mask was acquired in Liberia by the medical missionary George Harley between 1933 and 1937. The jaw of this mask is hinged, allowing it to open and close.

The authoritative record is held by Cleveland Museum of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.