War Mask

The beté masks, in general, have a certain analogy with the guerées. They are characterized by the ferocity and strength of their appearance, solid, with numerous reliefs. Front protruding with bowing, with facial protections that look like bumpers, sometimes fangs of facocero, and fangs or horns, real or wooden, that give the impression of wanting to hug. The mouth is usually protruding and on it, often a kind of large moustache in the form of a very wide “W” rises. They tend to be lined with upholstery studs, whose use is characteristic in the ornamentation of beté masks. In their origin they were war masks that appeared also in funeral dances. They were also effective in the fight against sorcery. They are currently used in popular celebrations or in entertainment to welcome important personalities.

Its main role is to go to the battlefield to prevent the extermination of the defeated. Send the head of the opposite field a branch of oil palm and a white hen. If the head of the enemy side accepts it, it means there will be peace. In principle custom requires acceptance of these offerings. This mask is also worn by its neighbors Kran of Liberia.