Origin - Grebo, Côte D'ivoire

Use: Defense, Resilience, Protection

This bold, geometric mask is associated with the Grebo people of Côte d’Ivoire, where masks were traditionally linked to warfare, protection, and the assertion of social order. Characterized by its protruding tubular eyes and angular features, the Grebo mask was worn during processions and dances to intimidate enemies and channel powerful spirits that safeguarded the community. The mask’s striking form, with its strong lines and exaggerated shapes, conveyed both spiritual authority and human strength, reminding viewers of the need for courage and unity in times of conflict. Through its commanding presence, the Grebo mask embodies values of vigilance, resilience, and communal defense essential to the survival and harmony of society.