Baule Ancestry Mask
Baule Ancestry Mask from the Ivory Coast Baule (Baoule) ancestry mask represent a past loved one. They are not ritualistic in use but are brought out to remember individuals and to have them nearby. Much like our todays photographs of a friend or family member. They might be brought out during hard times to help seek advice or certain anniversaries or for visiting dignitaries from outside the village. When they are brought out during ceremonies they are often not a focus of attention but fulfill a desire to have past family or friends present during the ceremony. Since these masks represent individuals no 2 are alike. The Baule (Baoule) are one of the main tribes that inhabit the Ivory Coast. The Baule tribes are known for their skill in carving from long ago and still today carry on this tradition. They carve 3 types of masks. The helmet mask used during ceremonies to protect villages and in the past and warring men. These mask often had the likeness of a bull showing strength and power. The second type of mask was the Ancestry Mask with more individual and realistic features. Hair styles, ritual scarification on the face typical of Baule are prominent on this mask. The scarification is done as a ritual right as adolescents rise to adult hood. Eyes always fixed looking down out of respect of the person communicating with. The duel headed mask represents twins which is a big event in their society. The third types of mask are mask related to the Goli festival and can be abstract with mixed human/animal qualities.
This mask is 20 inches tall and 13 inches wide. It will stand by itself, wall mounted or mounted on a stand. This is a forehead mask. It is a contemporary carved mask carved by a very skilled artisan with attention to detail. It has a beautiful patina and is made of dense wood. Its shipping weight is 9 lbs and ships in a box aprox. 24x16x12
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