Toma Peoples, Guinea

H: 24 inches, W: 10 inches, D: 10 inches

Materials: wood, metal, hair, shells, feathers, cloth, bells,straw, glass, leather

The Toma, number about 200,000 people, occupy the eastern part of Guinea, and northwest of Liberia. The Poro Association, which is responsible for the young boys and girls initiation into adulthood, is led by the "Landai" the  major forest spirit. The Chief and the Queen Mother, who wear the headdresses represent the spirit; symbolically devour them at the end of their initiation period, in order to give them rebirth as men and women.