Two long, slightly curved horns project from
both sides of the forehead, which is convex and
protruding beyond the facial plane. The straight
sides of the face curve to a pointed chin, with
small puckered lips having an incised horizontal
line to show it is open, as if whispering. The
narrow eye slits are overhung by the eyelids, like
protective awnings, while the arching eyebrows
are decorated with short vertical notches
suggesting hair. Further ornamentation, perhaps
indicating scarification, is seen in the three
semi-circles on the forehead composed of plain
incising and rows of connecting semi-circles.
The cloth cover or “veil” is white with broad blue
stripes. Baule masks are used in three types of
dances: the gba gba (funerals of women), the
bonu amuen (for protection of the village), and
the goli (celebrating peace). This beautiful mask
probably belongs to the goli category, since such
masks are lunar in shape and have horns. They
are worn by men in a dance of joy, accompanied
by singing and great festivities.
- (PF.5411)
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