Vintage Baule Portrait Mask Bearded Male Ancestor Carved Wood Ivory Coast 15"

Description

View Vintage Baule Portrait Mask Bearded Male Ancestor Carved Wood Ivory Coast 15" with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. This mask is an idealized portrait, designed to embody the concept of personal beauty and moral character. Culture: African – Baule (Côte d'Ivoire / Ivory Coast). A refined and distinguished old BauleMblo portrait mask from the Ivory Coast, characterized by its elongated elegance and serene authority. Item specifics: Culture:  African – Baule (Côte d'Ivoire / Ivory Coast) Type:  Classic Baule  Mblo  (Portrait Mask) /  Ndoma Style:  Authentic village-style portrait mask depicting a distinguished male elder Material:  Carved hardwood with a deep, dark patina, traces of kaolin or camwood in crevices Dimensions:  15 × 6 × 4 in (38 × 15 × 10 cm) – impressive elongated form Condition:  Excellent old used condition – rich, dark surface patina developed over time, stable age cracks, and minor erosion/wear to high points (nose, crest) consistent with age and handling. Completely original. Description A refined and distinguished old Baule  Mblo  portrait mask from the Ivory Coast, characterized by its elongated elegance and serene authority. While many Baule masks depict idealized female beauty, this striking 15-inch example appears to represent a male personage or respected elder, indicated by the stylized beard extending from the chin. In Baule culture,  Mblo  masks are used in entertainment dances ( Gbagba ) to honor a specific member of the community. This mask is an idealized portrait, designed to embody the concept of personal beauty and moral character. Key features: High Crested Coiffure:  The head is surmounted by a tall, sweeping sagittal crest with fine linear incisions, representing a complex and prestigious hairstyle symbolizing social order and cultivation. Bearded Visage:  The chin terminates in a carved, goatee-style beard with vertical striations, a mark of wisdom, age, and masculine dignity. Scarification:  Distinct raised scarification marks ( ngole ) adorn the temples, cheeks, and the center of the forehead (in a diamond motif), identifying the subject as a socialized and civilized being. Serene Expression:  The face features the classic heavy-lidded, downcast eyes and small mouth that project the Baule ideal of "coolness," introspection, and peacefulness. Patina:  The wood possesses a deep, varied dark patina, showing the history of the object's care and handling. A genuine, collector-grade example with tremendous presence and a dignified aesthetic—perfect as a focal point in any collection of West African art. Important note:  The display stand shown in the photos is for illustration only and is  NOT  included in the sale. Condition: Used. Category: Collectibles › Cultures & Ethnicities › African › 1900-Now › Figures & Sculptures.

Handmade

Yes

Culture

Baule

Country of Origin

Côte d'Ivoire