Rare Baule Helmet Mask Made From Wood Depicting A Monkey, Ivory Coast. The Patina Is Extraordinary And Has Multiple Layers Of Pigment From Decades Of Ritual & Ceremonial Use. Legend states that in the 17th century the Baule (Baoule) left present day Ghana and traveled west into present day Cote d'Ivoire under the lead of the Queen Pokou. According to oral tradition, the Baule were forced to leave Ghana when the Ashanti rose to power. While they were fleeing for their lives they came to the Komoe river which they were unable to cross. With their enemies chasing them they began to throw their most prized possessions into the river. It came to the Queen's attention that their most valuable possession was her son. The Queen realized that she had to sacrifice her son to the river and threw him in. Upon doing so hippopotami rose from the river and allowed them to cross, saving their lives. After crossing, the Queen was so upset about losing her son that all she could say was "baouli," meaning: the child is dead. From that point on they were known as the Baule. First Time To Sale By Original Owner. Provenance: Ethnographic Museum Collection. Each Lot Was Obtained Between 1960 and 1990 Via Private Collectors And Field Collecting Across West Africa, South East Pacific, California, New York, And Atlanta. Higher Quality Lots Have Been On Exhibition And Have A Custom Made Metal Stand Specifically Designed To Fit The Artwork. Our Private Consignor Has Requested To Remain Anonymous On Descriptions/Advertisements. We Will Communicate (This Item May Be Shipped In A Air Tight Sealed Protected Case At An Additional Charge From The Private Art Shipper Gander And White.) Estimated more than 200 yrs. old. Size and/or Weight: See Measurement Photo. (Photos Represent The Lot Condition, Pangaea Auctions)

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