African Masks and statues of the Rasta. Second half 20th. C. This African Mask from the Rastafarian people of Ethiopia, hand painted hand-carved of wood. Like most Rasta masks, feature the famous dreadlocks by which most Rastafarians can be identified. Several theories seek to explain the origin of this hairstyle, among them is that they are an imitation of the Mau Mau warriors of Kenya who created the "dreaded lock" hairstyle to frighten their enemies in battle. The name has been truncated to "dreadlock." These African masks, made of wood in Ethiopia, are hand rubbed to a dark finish on the front and feature the ritual scarifications carved into the face of many African people. The dreadlocks are accomplished by hanging hollow pieces of Bamboo on strong strips of cloth, or sometimes leather. Condition good, missing a few bamboo dreadlock sections. H. 14'' W. 12'' D. 5 1/2''. ''Provenance Anne Narosny African Art Collection Estate'' Sale # 1 of 3''