Description

The very impressive Bété masks are used during funeral rites, the lifting of mourning, or in honor of a prominent figure. The reliefs are particularly pronounced in these masks, which were originally intended to inspire fear and respect. The Bété mask is an artistic and cultural symbol originating from the Bété ethnic group located in the central-western part of Côte d'Ivoire. The Bété are part of the Kru group. The mask, called Glè in Bété, comes from the Guéré word Gla. It has undergone transformations throughout its history.