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Object Number
48-36-50/7374
Display Title
Clay head with feather headdress, gaswa-goti-tokali-beleke-wea glu
Descriptions
Object Description
Clay head with feather headdress, gaswa-goti-tokali-beleke-wea glu. Divination heads of this type were used by the Kra as religious altars in the early part of the 20th century. Dr. Monnie Adams, curator of African collections at the Peabody Museum, describes the head as part of the ritual practice of a Liberian and Ivory Coast cult that began in the teens and gained strength in the 1920's and 30's. Although the cult fell from favor relatively quickly, aspects survived in the more isolated forest regions and Dr. Adams has seen such heads in use as recently as 1990.
Inventory Description
Figurine, ceramic head, feather headdress, teeth, shell, cloth elements
Classification
- Figurine
Department
Ethnographic
Culture
- Kra
- Grebo
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Africa
/
Liberia
Dimensions
Overall: 61 x 66 x 61 cm (24 x 26 x 24 in.)
Quantity
1
Label on object
48-36-50/7374
Provenance
Collector
Dr. George W. Harley
(1947-1948)
Seller
Dr. George W. Harley
(07/28/1948)
Important Note about Historical Language
Collections records may contain language, reflecting past collecting practices and methods of analysis, that is no longer acceptable. The Peabody Museum is committed to addressing the problem of offensive and discriminatory language present in its database. Our museum staff are continually updating these records, adding to and improving content. We welcome your feedback and any questions or concerns you may want to share. Please email us with your comments.
