A Baule fetish mask, Ivory Coast, Dimbokro region. Signs of ritual use; Certificate of origin and provenance. Incl. stand.

"The Baule masks, with their refined elegance and serene expressions, are not merely objects of visual admiration but are imbued with profound cultural meaning. In the Mblo performances, masks become living portraits, embodying the virtues and achievements of their human counterparts. The narrow, slit-like eyes, symbolizing introspection and wisdom, coupled with high foreheads and intricate scarification, reflect the Baule ideals of beauty and moral character. Meanwhile, the Goli masks, with their powerful, circular forms and bold horns, act as mediators between the living and the spiritual world, ensuring harmony and protection within the community. Each mask, whether for entertainment or ritual, serves a dual purpose: as a testament to Baule artistic mastery and as a vital instrument in maintaining the social and spiritual fabric of the people."

Source: Susan Mullin Vogel, "Baule: African Art, Western Eyes," was published in 1997 by Yale University Press.

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Height: 47 cm without stand
Weight: 1,7 kg incl. stand