Mblo entertainment mask - Baule - Côte d'Ivoire

Ivory Coast Baoulé Wood Height: 315 mm Width: 150 mm Depth: 135 mm This 31.5 cm mask comes from the central region of Ivory Coast. It is a Baoulé mask (or more precisely Yaouré / Gouro influence, neighboring ethnicities sharing a very similar aesthetic). More specifically, it is an anthropomorphic Mblo type mask (or portrait mask). Origin and Aesthetic Characteristics • The refinement of features: This mask embodies the Baoulé culture's ideal beauty criteria: an oval, harmonious face, almond-shaped, half-closed eyes evoking interiority and serenity, and a long, fine nose. • The coiffure and scarifications: The tall, beautifully striated hairstyle divided into a crest indicates a high social status. The square geometric motifs on the forehead and temples represent traditional scarifications (ngole), signs of civilization, beauty, and maturity. • Polychromy and the border: The face coated with a bright red pigment symbolizes youth, vitality, and the beauty of the skin. The perimeter of the face is outlined by a characteristic serrated border painted in black and white, which delicately frames the features. • The inner face: Visible on the back, the carving work shows a carefully hollowed cavity with traces of the pilliers (herminette tool), as well as a beautiful brown patina of wear and side holes to attach the cloth or raffia costume. Usage and Ritual Function Unlike power or justice masks (such as Wè or Bété masks), the Mblo mask has essentially social, commemorative, and festive functions: • Entertainment and celebration: It is used during rejoicing dances (Gbagba or Mblo). The dancer, entirely concealed under a costume, imitates poses and performs rhythmic choreographies to entertain the village during major celebrations or the arrival of distinguished guests. • Homage and Portrait: This mask is often commissioned to pay tribute to a remarkable woman or man in the community (recognized for beauty, wisdom, or dancing talents). It is not a realistic portrait in the Western sense, but a stylized representation of the spiritual essence and moral qualities of the honored person, who often attends the dance by their side. • Calming at funerals: Although festive, it can also be shown at the funerals of a family member of the owner to honor the spirit of the deceased and accompany them peacefully to the world of ancestors. Fast and protected shipping. Parcels are sent with a tracking number. Delivery in 1 to 3 days in France with Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union with Chronopost International. Delivery with Colissimo International to the rest of Europe and worldwide We speak English. Mask African art Afro-American mask art arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane statue African art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afro-American mask art Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano

Schätzpreis:€150

Alle Objekte ansehen vonCatawikioderEtnografica