Baoule portrait mask
Aesthetics and refinement in African art
This remarkably well sculpted African mask is a traditional court portrait type mask among the Baoulé. There is both a naturalistic and stylized treatment in the face. The lines are fine and somewhat geometric. The balance of the elements is perfect. The patina of the face is traditionally glossy and almost black. The corole beard is an alternation of pigment. The eyes have also been encrusted with pigment to breathe life into them.
The headdress has been worked in several striated lobes. On the rear side, the wood is worn and bears traces of portage. The side holes were used to slip a stick that the dancer squeezed between his teeth to hold the mask in front of his face.
This mask was sculpted to order in order to be an effigy of a Baoulé dignitary.
African Baoulé art is undoubtedly one of the most aesthetic to the point that very quickly after the arrival of Western settlers, this art was imported to Europe, seriously shaking prejudices concerning tribal art on the African continent.
01642
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1950
- Size
- 31 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- B. Levi, Paris
- Condition
- Excellent
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Aesthetics and refinement in African art
This remarkably well sculpted African mask is a traditional court portrait type mask among the Baoulé. There is both a naturalistic and stylized treatment in the face. The lines are fine and somewhat geometric. The balance of the elements is perfect. The patina of the face is traditionally glossy and almost black. The corole beard is an alternation of pigment. The eyes have also been encrusted with pigment to breathe life into them.
The headdress has been worked in several striated lobes. On the rear side, the wood is worn and bears traces of portage. The side holes were used to slip a stick that the dancer squeezed between his teeth to hold the mask in front of his face.
This mask was sculpted to order in order to be an effigy of a Baoulé dignitary.
African Baoulé art is undoubtedly one of the most aesthetic to the point that very quickly after the arrival of Western settlers, this art was imported to Europe, seriously shaking prejudices concerning tribal art on the African continent.