Baule Portrait Mask Cote D'Ivoire

Overall Condition: Good to fair. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.

Damage/Repair: See photos for details

This Baule mask falls into a special grouping known as portrait masks', Kpan Pre, Kpan Kpan.These masks are said to portray an honored person of the village who is celebrated during a ceremonial dance known as Mblo. It is an aesthetic performance in which this beautifully carved mask would be worn with a multicolored costume and danced in the most graceful manner by either the person it represents or a relative. The costume would have been attached to the broad collar of the mask by cords that were threaded through the holes at the back of the mask. The Mblo 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.