Koma Ba Mask
1 of 5
Object Label
Only initiates of the Koma men’s society may see the figure of the koma ba, which dances in the village to attract evil spirits that roam the bush at night. Koma ba masks are composed of a human face with a beak extending from the chin and wooden horns on the head. The horns are filled with substances that protect the wearer from sorcerer spells. The mask is heavily encrusted with blood and with chewed and expectorated kola nut; in addition, X-rays show a miniature metal bow and an arrow point as well as rifle-shell casings beneath the surface materials, all of which increase the power of the mask.
Caption
Mau. Koma Ba Mask, late 19th–early 20th century. Wood, cowrie shells, metal, feathers, horns, leather, fiber, sacrificial materials, 41 x 11 x 11 in. (104.1 x 27.9 x 27.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Marcia and John Friede, 76.20.2. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Koma Ba Mask
Date
late 19th–early 20th century
Geography
Place made: Ivory Coast
Medium
Wood, cowrie shells, metal, feathers, horns, leather, fiber, sacrificial materials
Classification
Dimensions
41 x 11 x 11 in. (104.1 x 27.9 x 27.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Marcia and John Friede
Accession Number
76.20.2
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