Bété
Côte d'IvoireSpider Mask (Nyabwa), 20th century
On view
Wood, pigment, fiber, metal, beads
Dimensions15 × 8 × 6 1/2 in. (38.1 × 20.3 × 16.5 cm)
Museum purchase with funds from the Collection Endowment, 2021.3
Referred to as nyabwa or gre, these types of masks are characterized by distorted features, facial protuberances, horned heads, bulging foreheads, and tubular eyes, creating a grimacing face. The Bété peoples use the term gre to describe "terror" and nyabwa refers to the multiple legs of a spider. Carved from wood, these masks were designed to depict the hostile spirits within the tradition. The mask would have been worn for a variety of reasons including the scare off enemies or evil spirits, mourn someone who has passed, or use them to preside over a conflict in the community. Masks are common the Bété culture because of their numerous yearly festivals and ceremonies to honor their ancestors. Masks would have always been paired with an elaborate costume and dance.
Living in the southwest of the Côte d’Ivoire, the Bété peoples have a long history of artistic production linked to their spirituality. Objects are often made to be paired with aspects of their religion, therefore representing the link between art and spirituality.
