Description

This Baoulé mask from central Ivory Coast is remarkable for its sculptural quality. At the center of the mask's face, the brow ridge is marked by a long nasal ridge above a hollowed-out mouth that appears to be exhaling breath. Its headdress is finely striated, and its face bears scarification marks. This mask represents an idealized figure. It appears at the end of ceremonial dances and entertainments. It also personifies graceful young women or valiant and upright men. This antique mask has a light, polished patina.