African Mask Black White Bedu Ivory Coast Ghana Handmade Geometric Black White Secret Society Fertility Spiritual Bedu Mask

This is an Old and Beautiful Bedu Mask from the Nafana people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Bedu masks belonged to one of the many secret societies, for which membership typically required initiation. During the initiation, young boys had to endure physical tests and an apprenticeship in secret knowledge of the supernatural. Bedu is really a reference to a mythical wild animal. Legend states the Bedu was discovered in the bush by a father who had taken his sick child on a journey in search of medicinal roots. One day the Bedu appeared, touched the child who was instantly cured, and disappeared. Later, the Bedu reappeared and was domesticated for the benefit of the village, leaving two Bedu's the bush Bedu and the village Bedu, both bringing extraordinary benefits. Smaller Bedu masks with horns have been used for Zorogo dances, in which women mock their male counterparts by addressing the mask as their lover. Women prepared the masks by repairing, washing and repainting with the approach of Zaurau, the harvest season which also was a period of revelry and social laxity. Bedu masks and their performances represent and reinforce good social values: community harmony, health, fertility and good crops. This Bedu mask is beautiful in color and abstract design with the outstanding craftsmanship of the Nafana carvers. This would be wonderful piece of African Art to add to your collection or display in your home.

COMES ON A STAND

49" tall Stand
44" tall Mask
19 " wide
1" deep

This mask shows age, discoloration, but overall in good condition. Old and Museum Quality

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