Gongoli Mask

A large gongoli, or kongoli, mask, depicting the face of a human or animal. This example has a brass bell attached to the masks right eye, and a human tooth attached in to the carved mouth. The gongoli masquerader comes out to provide light entertainment, particularly during more solemn occasions such as funerals. It is not particular to any cultural group in Sierra Leone.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Gongoli Mask
• Materials: Wood, Metal, Bone, ivory, tooth
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 580mm x 290mm x 240mm
• Production Date: Pre 1960
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Guy Massie-Taylor (Collector)
• Museum: Glasgow Museums
• Accession Number: GLAMG:A.1985.13.an

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