Baule Mblo Portrait Mask, Red Face with Black Crested Coiffure, Côte d’Ivoire

Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, Baule. A carved wood face mask with an oval, red-stained face below a blackened crested coiffure. The central lobe of the coiffure rises into a ridged loop, shaped like a horn. Arched black brows frame pierced eyes, and a long, narrow nose leads down to a small, open, tubular mouth. Raised scarification marks cover the face: incised black lozenges and white star motifs on the cheeks, and hatched ridges that sweep outward. A finely incised border marks the hairline. Masks of this type were likely danced in Baule mblo performances, where carved faces honored admired individuals. Perforations along the edges would have attached the mask to a costume. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. Item # 203730

Estimate:$300

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