Additional information
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Toma Medicine Mask with Horns
Among the many forms of masks used by the Toma people (Loma in Liberia) are ones that are held or displayed rather than worn. This very rare mask has no eyehole or means of attachment, and takes a human form with four horns. Below the horns is a cluster of abbreviated Kissi pennies, arranged horizontally across the mask’s forehead. Kissi pennies are a form of indigenous currency whose manufacture began around 1880. The mask’s shallow interior cavity is encrusted with organic matter, presumably the residue of some formulated traditional medicine. Over that cavity is an animal hide curtain. Raised scarifications mark the cheeks of the mask while incised parallel grooves decorate the forehead. I place this mask among the finest Toma/Loma masks I have ever had the pleasure of handling. Ex collection Daniel Altman (Great Neck, New York, 1980s). Price on request.
18″ height with base
