Western Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, Baule (Baoule) people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A remarkable ensemble of six anthropomorphic masks, all featuring slit eyes, broad noses, and petite ears capped by incised, black hair. Three of the vizards boast a high burnish over red-orange paint with open, smiling mouths and ceremonial scarification marks on their cheeks and forehead. Two others are also painted red, but present closed, straight mouths and no scarification. The last visage is enveloped in a vibrant shade of blue with a decorative border of light blue and yellow. Skillfully carved animals, such as birds, a dog, and a monkey, cap the heads of four of the masks, while one of the non-burnished red masks displays two curved horns and a slender goatee. Size: 6.75" W x 19" H (17.1 cm x 48.3 cm)

These masks are associated with the Goli festival which dates back to around 1900 and was created to celebrate new crops, periods of mourning, or visits from dignitaries.

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA

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#162649

Expected surface wear with light nicks/chips and abrasions. Otherwise, intact with lovely earthen deposits throughout and impressive remains of pigments.