Liberia. Khran People. Carved wooden Mask. Ornate with spike and vegetal cord 795 gr (27,83 oz) 32x16x12 cm (12,5x6,2x4,7 inch). The Krahn arrived in the area known as Liberia as part of early sixteenth century migrations from the north-east and what is now the Republic of Ivory Coast. This migration occurred due to pressure on local populations resulting from an emigration of Western Sudan tribes after the decline of medieval empires, as well as an increase in regional tribal wars. During this timeframe, the African slave trade was becoming more prominent within Liberia. Although some Kru tribes faced capture by Westerners, it was more common for the Krahn and other coastal peoples in Liberia to serve as local traders, brokering deals within the Western slave market.
