Western Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Baule (Baoule) people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A beautiful Baule dance mask representing a female, perhaps an ancestor, hand-carved from a lustrous brown wood with exaggerated features typical of African festival wear. Hemispherical, slit-form eyes, a prominent nose, full lips, arching eyebrows, and a broad forehead comprise the emotive visage, with a pair of scalloped fringe panels flanking either side. A multi-lobed coiffure presides above the face, its three distinguishable sections embellished with dozens of incised bands and a projecting frontal crest. Chalky-white kaolin pigmentation brings life to the countenance while thick layers of brown pigmentation adorn the surrounding surfaces. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 13.5" H (34.3 cm); 21" H (53.3 cm) on included custom stand.

The Baule practice of theatrical performances and thespian-centered festivities is called the “Mblo,” a highly-celebrated ceremony honoring upstanding or recently-deceased members of society. Primarily comprised of skits and interpretive dances, the Mblo is meant as an idealized representation of the individual being honored. The portrait masks created for the Mblo are oftentimes modeled after women due to their inherent grace and beauty as well as the entrancing way they dance. Because of how women perform in elegant, balletic styles, only the most experienced and highly-skilled dancers are allowed to don these masks.

Provenance: private Eason Eige collection, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

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#131649

Expected age-commensurate surface wear, small nicks to fringe panels, facial features, coiffure, and peripheries, with fading and discoloration to pigmentation, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice earthen deposits throughout.