Portrait Mask, Baoulé People, Ivory Coast 01

This face mask presents a serene expression. It is an Mblo or portrait mask, representing a person who has contributed to the well-being of the community and is thus celebrated and honored through festivities. The features are idealized to meet traditional criteria: a high forehead (intelligence and spiritual openness), a smooth and lustrous surface (a healthy person), half-closed eyelids and a downward gaze (a sign of respect), and elegant scarification and headdress (self-respect and respect for others), etc. This particular example presents a regular, oval face. The mouth is small and framed by scarification. The nose is long and thin, with two arcs extending from the bridge of the nose to form the eyebrows. These arcs frame half-closed, almond-shaped eyes. The forehead is high and surmounted by a headdress made of braids. The philtrum is well-defined and, along with the bridge of the nose, emphasizes the axis of the face. The hollows are highlighted with kaolin, creating a contrast with the black and accentuating the sculpture's reliefs. This portrait mask, made of dense wood, and its somewhat unusual design suggest considerable age.
Baoulé people, Ivory Coast.
Dense wood with a patina from use, black lacquer, kaolin.
Height: 22 cm.
Late 19th or very early 20th century.
Provenance: Ex-Norbert Boutet collection