Two Baule mask of the central Bouaké region or Eastern part of the baule country, presumably to be attributed to the Mblo masks of the Baule, which in their naturalistic style are to be assigned to the Akan. A pair of this mask type is relatively rare. Usually only individual masks are coming to the market.

In her important publication Baule: African Art, Western Eyes, Susan Vogel notes that "While the relative naturalism and consummate workmanship of Baule objects were praised at the outset, today these objects are appreciated for their subtle rhythms and a beauty that stops short of sweetness. To the Western eye, an essence of Baule style is a balanced asymmetry that enlivens while suggesting stability and calm. [...] To an art historian, the most consistent feature of Baule art, and one expressed across the wide variety of Baule object types, is a kind of peaceful containment. Faces tend to have downcast eyes and figures often hold their arms against the body, so that Westerners might feel that the mood of much classical Baule art is introspective." (Vogel, Baule: African Art, Western Eyes, New Haven, 1997, pp. 26-28).

900 - 1.200,- Euro

Height: 42/40 cm without stands
Weight: 1,4/1,7 kg