Origin - Yaure, Côte D'ivoire

Use: Defense, Protection

Surmounted by a scene depicting a bird biting a snake, this Yaure mask represented wearing a slick combed hairstyle associated with wealth. This mask is originally danced around the deceased and bent over to touch him for purifying purposes. It also appears during rejoicing celebrations. The Yaouré are a subgroup of the Akan people present in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Geographically close to the Baule and Gouros, one can feel the influence of these ethnic groups through their attention to detail and aesthetics.