Origin and Cultural Context
This mask originates from the Baoulé people, part of the Akan cultural group in Ivory Coast. The Baoulé are known for their refined artistry and strong spiritual traditions. Masks are used in ritual dances, initiation ceremonies, and celebrations honoring ancestors and protective spirits.
Mask Features
This mask is carved from wood, featuring the elegant characteristics typical of Baoulé art:
- Oval, serene face
- Almond-shaped, half-closed eyes
- Delicate facial scarifications
- Elaborate headdress
These features embody the Baoulé ideal of inner beauty and spiritual harmony.
Cultural Significance
Baoulé masks have a profound spiritual and social role. They represent nature spirits, ancestral figures, or mythical beings. Their use in ceremonies is meant to restore balance, protect the community, or pay tribute to the deceased. This mask also stands as a powerful and symbolic work of art.
Provenance
Private collection ZAMBELLI/BRUGNACCHI, assembled between 1990 and 2023.
Transferred to the Spirit Land of Africa Gallery in 2023.
800.00 €
