| The extremely heavy hippo mask disappeared from the Bissagos Islands during the 1970s, probably because it is labor intensive to make and perhaps because the boys complained about carrying the weight. This mask type originated in the northernmost islands, Ponta and Maïo, which amphibious mammals once reached from the mouth of the River Geba on the mainland nearby.
The mask is painted red in reference to the color of the hippo's glandular secretions. Animal hair was fastened around the ears, eye sockets and the articulated muzzle. Frosted glass brought the gaze of the mask to life. The enormous bulk of the mask forced its wearer to use two wooden crutches with flaring ends that suggest hooves. |