Baule Portrait Mask Côte d'Ivoire
Width: 5.5
Depth: 2.5
Description
The Baule people, residing in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa, are renowned for their masterful artistry in crafting portrait masks, revered as some of the most captivating and potent works in African art. These wooden masks, typically portraying flat, oval faces with detailed relief-carved features and expressive eyes, boast intricate designs that enhance their allure and spiritual power. Dancing with these masks celebrates feminine grace and beauty, entertaining during rest days and honoring esteemed guests. Each mask, a testament to past Baule artists' skill, may resemble the person it represents. Employed in ceremonies like funerals, initiations, and celebrations, these masks serve as connections to ancestors or pivotal figures in Baule history, bridging the mundane with the spiritual realm. Specifically, the Mblo masks, characterized by elongated faces adorned with beads, cowrie shells, and colorful paint, feature delicately carved details. They hold immense cultural significance, acting as mediums to commune with spirits, bring luck, ward off malevolent forces, and heal ailments. Treasured as valuable family heirlooms, Baule portrait masks endure as esteemed symbols of beauty, craftsmanship, and spiritual importance in African art and culture, cherished and revered globally.
Height (In) 16.0
Width (In) 5.5
Depth (In) 2.5
137408
Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Baule
Country of Origin: Côte d'Ivoire
Material
Condition
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.