Gbetu Mask

This may be a gbetu mask, as part of the mens gbetu masquerader costume, among Vai, Gola and Mende people. Typically gbetu masks have a conical head piece, surmounted by a long, segmented neck with a small head on the top. The rest of the costume consists of three skirts of raffia, worn round the neck, chest, and neck. This example is unusual as it is shorter than usual gbetu masks, and does not have a conical base. This was originally part of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum collection. It was acquired by the British Museum in 1954.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Gbetu Mask
• Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre
• Culture Group: Mende, Gola, Vai
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Production Date: Pre 1954
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Wellcome Historical Medical Museum
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1954.23.3495

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