Baule Mblo portrait Mask, African Tribal Creations art Baoule Akan Cote d'Ivoire

One of the largest ethnic groups in Cote d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast), the Baule people are well known for their fine artwork.  As a people, they were one of the strongest oppositional forces to French colonization of West Africa, and as a result, have held quite closely to their cultural heritage throughout recent history.  This has left much of their artistic tradition relatively in tact, and its history is better understood by its people in contemporary Cote d'Ivoire.  Numbering around one million, the Baule are and have long been a society that values equality and are among the most egalitarian in West Africa.  The result of this social structure is a highly complex and exquisite artistic tradition.  Becoming a sculptor/artist was a matter of personal choice, rather than caste/family tradition, and so numerous unique and elaborate styles developed among the Baule people.  Their figures and masks are among the most highly sought after by African art collectors.

One of the oldest artforms among the Baule people, this mask is referred to as an Mblo, or portrait mask.  Commissioned to resemble a prominent member of the community, these masks would be danced in often comical entertainment ceremonies, and were often valued as much for their aesthetic value, as for their traditional significance.  This mask shows significan signs of use, including patina flaking, staining, rope wear at the attachment points, and forehead oil staining on the mask's interior.  The wood is heavily worn in many areas, and the pigment has been faded with age.  Overall the condition is fair, given that it does not display any serious breaks or repairs.  This is a stellar piece that will make a prominent addition to a lucky someone's collection! 

Dimensions of this piece are 17" x 6" x 4.5", and it weighs in at one pound.  

Medium:  Wood, Pigment