Facial mask Kulango - SOLD OUT
The Kulango from the northern part of the Ivory Coast were a prosperous group of people and over time proved to be very resilient. Historically they were ruled by a king and elders who directed community life, based around the agricultural calendar. They had a vigorous and prosperous economy supported mainly by Muslim traders. The traders would also come into the Kulango region with the intention of converting the locals to Islam. However, the Kulango resisted. The majority continued to practice their traditional ethnic religions. They believe in a supreme god who is not worshipped but is addressed in association with "mother earth." Unfortunately during the 17th century life for the Kulango became very grim. They suffered through a series of migrations from the Akan and Lobi people and hostile invasions from the Mandingo people who enslaved them and almost brought their culture to an end. This same African region was later infiltrated by French colonialist. Through it all the Kulango have survived and their art and culture is slowly resurfacing. The Kulango mask offered here was carved from a native hardwood. It represents fertility and blends the two concepts of agricultural fertility and human fertility together. In the past the Kulango region was fertile for crops which were important to the people. Most of their rituals involved some sort of tribute being paid to the mother earth giving thanks for the abundance and hoping for its continuance. On the same hand tribal population growth was paramount for Kulango survival and various prayers and ceremonies were held for ensuring fertile women. The smooth face of the mask has a concave surface with two narrow ovular eyes. A dominating thick phallic shaped nose, richly etched with scarification outwardly descends over the front of the mask. The tip end shapes down to form the head of a bird that is a known fertility symbol. The top of the facial covering features a well carved headdress modeled after bird feathering, pigmented in blue and creamy white. Overall the mask is in excellent condition. We are very happy to be able to enjoy the resurgence of Kulango art and culture first hand.SpecsOriginEx private collection FrançaiseSize35 x 18 cmDatingCirca 1950Material(s)Wood
00071
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection France
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The Kulango from the northern part of the Ivory Coast were a prosperous group of people and over time proved to be very resilient. Historically they were ruled by a king and elders who directed community life, based around the agricultural calendar. They had a vigorous and prosperous economy supported mainly by Muslim traders. The traders would also come into the Kulango region with the intention of converting the locals to Islam. However, the Kulango resisted. The majority continued to practice their traditional ethnic religions. They believe in a supreme god who is not worshipped but is addressed in association with "mother earth." Unfortunately during the 17th century life for the Kulango became very grim. They suffered through a series of migrations from the Akan and Lobi people and hostile invasions from the Mandingo people who enslaved them and almost brought their culture to an end. This same African region was later infiltrated by French colonialist. Through it all the Kulango have survived and their art and culture is slowly resurfacing. The Kulango mask offered here was carved from a native hardwood. It represents fertility and blends the two concepts of agricultural fertility and human fertility together. In the past the Kulango region was fertile for crops which were important to the people. Most of their rituals involved some sort of tribute being paid to the mother earth giving thanks for the abundance and hoping for its continuance. On the same hand tribal population growth was paramount for Kulango survival and various prayers and ceremonies were held for ensuring fertile women. The smooth face of the mask has a concave surface with two narrow ovular eyes. A dominating thick phallic shaped nose, richly etched with scarification outwardly descends over the front of the mask. The tip end shapes down to form the head of a bird that is a known fertility symbol. The top of the facial covering features a well carved headdress modeled after bird feathering, pigmented in blue and creamy white. Overall the mask is in excellent condition. We are very happy to be able to enjoy the resurgence of Kulango art and culture first hand.SpecsOriginEx private collection FrançaiseSize35 x 18 cmDatingCirca 1950Material(s)Wood