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Krahn Tribal Mask

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Collection: African Art Collection
Description: This ancient Krahn mask made of wood, has small eyes, large articulated forehead, nose, and chin. The face is very narrow. The wood appears to have once been stained. The stain has since diminished, and a natural patina has built up. The mask remains in good condition.
General Note: GEOGRAPHY / CULTURE GROUP: Liberia, Krahn. The Krahn people, also known as Kran, of Liberia and Cote d’ Ivoire are believed to have arrived in Liberia in the 16th century. Originally concentrated in Grand Gedeh County, the Krahn numbered about 250,000 in 1970. The Krahn who practiced an animist type of religion were known as farmers and traders. The communities were loosely organized and governed by a chief. During and after the Liberian civil conflict of the 1980s and 90s, many Krahn fled their ancestral homes for Ivory Coast and Monrovia. Today, less than 100,000 individuals in Liberia attest to being Krahn. Few speak the language, and few can describe Krahn cultural traditions.
Artists/Makers: Krahn Liberia Read Biography

Krahn

GEOGRAPHY / CULTURE GROUP: Liberia, Krahn. The Krahn people, also known as Kran, of Liberia and Cote d’ Ivoire are believed to have arrived in Liberia in the 16th century. Originally concentrated in Grand Gedeh County, the Krahn numbered about 250,000 in 1970. The Krahn who practiced an animist type of religion were known as farmers and traders. The communities were loosely organized and governed by a chief. During and after the Liberian civil conflict of the 1980s and 90s, many Krahn fled their ancestral homes for Ivory Coast and Monrovia. Today, less than 100,000 individuals in Liberia attest to being Krahn. Few speak the language, and can describe Krahn cultural traditions.
Student Work: No
Culture: Krahn
Geography: Liberia
Medium: Wood
Classification: Mask
Accession Number: 2022.01.054
Accession Date: May 2022
Donated By: Reginald and Celeste Hodges
Donation Date: May 2022