Liberia

Grebo (Kru)

Wood, polychrome
Mid 20th century
Length: 29 in; Width: 10.2 in; Depth: 6.75 in
Other – Regalia – Headdress

The Grebo (Glebo) people is a term used to refer to an ethnic (and linguistic, Kwa-speaking) group within the larger Kru (Kroo) group of Africa. They are ruled by a chief known as Bodio who lives in near total isolation.  The Kru originated in eastern Liberia and migrated and settled at various points of coastal West Africa and were well-known for their skills in navigation and sailing the Atlantic.  The Grebo people who live in southeast Liberia at the border with the Côte d’Ivoire are known as the Krumen.

The startling geometry of this headdress with the double lines of 6 tubes each, flanking the strong profile of the nose and protruding lips is indeed a tour-de-force of sculpture. These male war headdresses were worn by the leaders of a warrior’s age set to terrify the enemy. Though not worn for warfare today they are still worn at the funeral ceremonies of elders.

Grebo headdresses are well-known for their influence on the early western modern art movement. Picasso obtained a Grebo headdress for his collection from his dealer, Kahnweiler, in Paris.