Baule Brass Mask on Custom Stand Côte d'Ivoire

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.

Damage/Repair: Oxidation

The Baule belong to the Akan peoples who inhabit Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Three hundred years ago the Baule people migrated westward from Ghana when the Asante rose to power. The tale of how they broke away from the Asante has been preserved in their oral traditions. During the Asante rise to power, the Baule queen, Aura Poku, was in direct competition with the current Asante king. When the Asante prevailed, the queen led her people away to the land they now occupy. The male descendant of Aura Poku still lives in the palace she established and is honored by the Baule as their nominal king. They are famous for their intricate and finely crafted portrait masks, which are considered some of the most beautiful and powerful works of African art.

Baule portrait masks are usually made of metal, wood, with a flat, oval face and a high forehead. The facial features are carved in relief, and the eyes are often large and expressive. The mask's surface is usually decorated with intricate patterns and designs, which are meant to enhance its beauty and power.

The Baule portrait masks dance reflects feminine virtues including graceful movements and elegant dancing steps and celebrates her beauty. These masks are danced to entertain during days that the Baule do not work and they will also appear to honor important visitors to the village. This classic mask recalls the artistry of the Baule artists of the past. The refined and finally carved face may be similar to the person for whom the mask was originally carved to represent.

These masks are used in a variety of contexts, including funerals, initiations, and other important ceremonies. They are believed to represent ancestors or important figures in Baule history, and are seen as a way to connect with the spiritual world.

Mblo masks are typically carved from wood and decorated with various materials, such as beads, cowrie shells, and cloth. They are used in a variety of ceremonies, including funerals, weddings, and initiation rituals. The masks are believed to represent spirits or ancestors and are used to communicate with these beings.

The Baule people place great importance on the beauty and craftsmanship of their masks. They are often passed down through generations and are considered to be valuable family heirlooms.

Mblo masks are characterized by their elongated, narrow faces with high foreheads and delicately carved features. The eyes are typically almond-shaped and are often adorned with cowrie shells or beads. The masks are painted with bright colors, including red, white, and black.

In addition to their aesthetic value, Mblo masks also have cultural significance. They are used to communicate with spirits and ancestors and are often accompanied by music and dance. The masks are believed to bring good luck, protect against evil spirits, and heal illnesses.

Overall, Baule portrait masks are a rich and important part of African art and culture. They continue to be valued and appreciated by people around the world for their beauty, craftsmanship, and spiritual significance.