(760) 994-4455 
SOLD African Initiation Mask; Toma Tribe 24"
Item #1a27
This wood mask is a one of a kind mask, hand carved by the artists of West Africa.
This is a Toma mask, a
bakrogui, which is a smaller version of the bigger masks, the Landai, used in
the initiation of boys into the men's society, poro. The initiation is begun by
the appearance of this great mask, which represents the great spirit of the
forest, to call the boys of Toma to the forest for the coming-of-age ordeal and
ends with the symbolic devouring of these boys and their rebirth as men.
This mask is a twin because Tomas make the bakrogui in twos. Also, according to
the Toma tradition, it can only be seen by members of the poro. The horns atop
the mask mark the spiritual connection between the world of the spirit and that
of men because spirits are believed to live in the forest much as animals and
the latter is used as a connection to the world of the former. Such masks as
this are likewise believed to be the dwelling of an ancestral spirit.
Click here to learn more about the history of African masks. Please email info@lotusmasks.com or call us, toll free 1(866) LOTUS-12.
Height: 24 inches
Width: 13 inches
Depth: 7 inches
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Materials: Wood
Origin: Toma Tribe - Guinea, Africa
Hanging Instructions: Two holes are pre carved into the top portion of the back of the mask. String is tied through the holes for immediate hanging.
Care: Dust the piece as needed.
Shipping is automatically calculated by UPS for shipping within the US and Canada. Each piece is usually shipped within 24 hours of the order with the exception of the weekend. If you are in Canada please select "UPS Standard to Canada" for the shipping option. If you are an international customer please select "TNT International Shipping" during checkout. The shipping will come out as $0 and will be added to your order. Please call 203-629-0902 or email us info@lotusmasks.com for a shipping quote. Click here for approximate UPS transit times. Lotus Masks uses Instapak foam injection packing system to insure that all our pieces arrive undamaged. Click here to learn more about Lotus Masks packing.
"Hello Tim,
I recieved the shipment in perfect condition and the packing was the best I
have ever recieved! Impressive is an understatment. I am real happy with the
Toma mask it exceeded my expectations. Thank you for the great service and follow
up phone calls Tim. Its a pleasure to deal with professionals!!
Thank you and take care."
Bryan - Ontario
"Hi Tim,
We received the mask, it was a gift for some friends. They loved it!! Thank you so much for your e-mail and enjoy your day."
Sher - Florida
"Tim,Thank you for your prompt and professional response to my orders. I expect to be checking your website frequently."
Ellis - North Carolina
"Hi, Tim:
The mask is everything I expected it to be. Beautiful. Great addition to my collection.
Thanks much."
Renee - New York
You May Also Be Interested In
