Artwork Details
Culture
Culture
Creation Date
Materials
Object Types
Dimensions
A) cloak: H: 44 in. B) headdress: H: 22 in.
Accession Number
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
Copyright
Collection
Color Palette
Provenance
(Lamine) sold on Oct. 17, 1974 to Harrison Eiteljorg [1903-1997]; donated to the IMA 1989
Gallery Labels
Garments and headdresses adorned with feathers from the great blue touraco (Corythaeola cristata) are traditional among the Toma/Loma people in Guinea and Liberia.
The ensemble evokes a mythical bird that brought power to the Toma society. It is worn by a Wenilegei or “bird man” who dances during initiations of all young males into manhood and during the funeral ceremonies of the powerful leaders of the Poro secret society. The dancer’s face and body are covered with kaolin (white clay), and he wears anklets which are decorated with metal bells and carries a staff.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) includes the great blue touraco species on the Least Concern (LC) list.
Exhibition History
Exhibition Name
Venue
Dates
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