Artwork Details
Culture
Culture
Nationality
Creation Date
Materials
Object Types
Dimensions
A) cloak: H: 38 x 36 in. B) headdress: H: 26-1/2 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
Costumes adorned with feathers from the touraco or “blue wing” are documented among the Toma (Loma) on both sides of the Guinea/Liberia border. They are worn by a Wenilegei or “bird man” who appears during initiations, funerals and secular dances of the Poro society. According to Jean-Louis Paudrat, the “…costume refers to the bird of the original myth, a bird that brought power to human society.” The dancer, whose body is covered with white clay, wears anklets and carries a staff. Wenilegei may accompany the Landai and other Poro maskers.
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