Early 20th Century Yaure Baule Portrait Mask Cote d'Ivoire

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The Baule portrait mask discussed is intricately crafted for the Mblo dance, representing an honored person or ancestor in Ivory … Read more The Baule portrait mask discussed is intricately crafted for the Mblo dance, representing an honored person or ancestor in Ivory Coast's Baule culture. Worn with vibrant costumes, the mask is danced gracefully to celebrate feminine virtues and beauty, providing entertainment on non-working days and honoring important visitors. Crafted from wood with relief-carved features, large expressive eyes, and intricate patterns, Baule portrait masks hold cultural significance, used in ceremonies like funerals and initiations to connect with ancestors and the spiritual world. Adorned with beads, cowrie shells, and cloth, these masks are passed down as valuable family heirlooms, believed to bring good luck, protect against evil, and contribute to healing rituals, making them a revered and globally appreciated part of African art and culture.






Height (In) 7.0Width (In) 3.0Depth (In) 1.5






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