Carved Baule mask – Ivory Coast – Mblo portrait mask in wood with dark patina, 19th century

Mask, Baule, Ivory Coast

Carved Mblo portrait mask in wood with dark patina

Finely carved face features beautiful scarification marks between the brows, at the corners of the mouth and on the cheeks. At the hair line, delicate incisions delineate two rows of headbands, with the closely-spaced patterning extending up into the coiffure.

Three stylized animal horns adorn the crown. The beard is rendered simply, in a similar style to the hair. At the back rim of the mask, incised holes for attachment of costume elements are worn smooth from use.

Probably late 19^Th Century

The mask comes with a display stand

Dimensions: 39.4 x 20.3 x 12.7 cm – Height with stand: 55.9 cm – 15.5 x 8 x 5 in. – Height with stand:  22 in.

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Such masks appeared as the final sequence of an operatic public entertainment known as Mblo. Mblo performances consist of a succession of dances that escalate in complexity and importance, culminating ultimately in tributes to the community’s most distinguished member.

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