Portrait Mask, Baoulé People, Ivory Coast 02

A face mask depicting a face of great gentleness. This type of mask is called an mblo, or portrait. It represents 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 example presents an oval and symmetrical face. The mouth is small and surmounted by a long, thin nose. The bridge of the nose is marked by a lozenge from which the eyebrows extend. They frame half-closed, almond-shaped eyes. The forehead is high and is topped by a headdress made of five chignons.
Baoulé people, Ivory Coast.
Wood with a patina from use (slight crack at the back and at eye level), black lacquer.
Height: 26 cm.
Mid-20th century.
Provenance: Ex-French collection