Mblo Mask - Baule - Côte d'Ivoire

Ivory Coast Baoulé Wood Height: 390 mm Width: 230 mm Depth: 160 mm This wooden anthropomorphic mask comes from the Baoulé people, located in the central region of Ivory Coast. Within their rich culture, this piece falls into the category of portrait or entertainment masks, traditionally called Mblo (or Ndoma). Origin and Aesthetic Characteristics of the Baoulé Baoulé art systematically seeks balance, harmonious proportions, and fine detail. This mask is a perfect illustration of that through several criteria: Expression of serenity: The high, domed forehead dominates delicately arched eyebrows that meet at the base of the nose. The almond-shaped, half-closed eyes give the face an attitude of inner calm, dignity, and spiritual peace. The complex coiffure: The hair is sculpted into a tall central crest adorned with small conical protrusions or chevrons, flanked by two rolled braids on the sides. Among the Baoulé, the care given to the hairstyle is a clear sign of refinement and a high social rank. Ritual scarifications (Ngole): Relief motifs or light geometric incisions structure the face. A discreet mark is visible on the forehead, as well as small linear scarifications at the corners of the lips and the eyes. The crenellated frill: A jagged border frames the jaw and chin, stylizing a prestige beard or a festive textile ornament. The careful patina: The face features a beautiful dark, smooth, and lustrous patina from use, while the back reveals the hollowing work of unshaped wood with an adze to fit the wearer’s face. Ritual and social use: The Mblo festivities Unlike the sacred and formidable masks of this region (linked to the cults of Goli or Bonu Auen which are strictly forbidden to women), the Mblo mask serves a public, theatrical, and festive function. A dance of entertainment: It appears during celebrations (Gbagba or Mblo), held to celebrate happy events, honor distinguished guests, or accompany the funerals of notable people. The idealized portrait of an individual: These masks are usually commissioned to pay homage to a living village personality (often a woman), admired for her physical beauty, grace, or moral qualities. The mask does not aim to be a realist portrait, but a magnified representation of the virtues of the person honored. The performance: The dancer, entirely concealed under a costume made of cloths and vegetal fibers fixed to the perforations of the mask’s border, adopts a rhythmic choreography. Horizontal slits are discreetly cut beneath the mask’s carved eyes to allow the performer to guide themselves during the movement of the dance. Symbolic meaning Among the Baoulé, the formal perfection of a sculpture is the direct reflection of the goodness of the soul (Blolo). The perfect symmetry of features, the gentleness of the lines, and the brightness of the patina of this mask recall the community’s fundamental values: respect for customary laws, self-control, elegance, and maintaining social harmony through the beauty of art and shared rejoicings. This mask is representative of Baoulé art, with a balance between shapes and volumes and finely sculpted details. Fast and protected shipping. Parcels are sent with tracking numbers. Delivery 1 to 3 days in France via Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union via Chronopost International. Delivery via Colissimo International in the rest of Europe and worldwide. We speak english. Mask african art | Afrikanische Maskenkunst | arte de máscaras africanas | arte delle maschere africane | Afrikanische Maskenkunst Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano

Estimation:€150

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