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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Baule Masks : Baule Wooden Mask Featuring a Seated Figure
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Baule Wooden Mask Featuring a Seated Figure - PF.4404
Origin: Central Ivory Coast
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
19" (48.3cm) high
x 6.125" (15.6cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Wood
Additional Information: closet AF8
$3,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
In the Baule culture, masks were worn as part of
important dance rituals including the Goli dance.
This was a real celebration where the participants
sang, danced and drank palm wine for the
occasion of a new harvest, funerals of notables,
and visiting dignitaries. The importance the
mask played in such events is seen in the detail
of the carving. This wonderful example shows a
small female riding on the head of another
young girl. The small figure may represent a
tutelary spirit (guardian) of the girl; perhaps
related to fertility rites, especially given the
prominence of the breasts. There is remarkable
sweetness in both their expressions, giving the
whole work an air of joy, gaiety and exuberance
of youth. The presence of this superb mask will
certainly add a festive atmosphere to any setting.
- (PF.4404)
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