**First Time At Auction**

West Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, Baule (Baoule) people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A lovely hand-carved wooden mask wearing an avian headdress. Boasting a lovely hue of chocolate brown under a light burnish, the intriguing vizard presents an ovoid visage featuring slit eyes under arched brows, a triangular nose with a narrow nasal crest, a petite mouth, and a pointed chin. An intricately carved coiffure consisting of linear striations and geometric motifs sits above the elongated forehead of the fascinating face, as a zigzagged border encompasses the visage's peripheries. The fascinating vizard's headdress is composed of two birds exhibiting lengthy beaks and elongated legs embellished in hues of crimson and cream. The avian creatures face one another as they stand atop a rectangular plinth and seem to feed from a conical object placed between them. Five annular drill holes line the periphery of the concave verso, allowing the mask to be strapped to a costume and worn. Size: 7.875" W x 19.25" H (20 cm x 48.9 cm)

The Baule practice of theatrical performance 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. Given that women perform in elegant, balletic styles, only the most experienced and highly-skilled dancers are allowed to don these masks.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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#162881

Collection number inscribed on verso. Chips to three points on upper proper right periphery. A few lightly abraded areas and minor fissure on tail of white bird. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina and impressive remaining pigments.