Dark Patinaed Mask

Item

Accession Number: 2024. 58.
Title: Dark Patinaed Mask
Ethnic Group: Baule
Subject: Mask|Ceremonial|West Africa
Country: Côte d'Ivoire
Date: Early 20th Century
Medium: Patinated wood, kaolin
Format: H x W x D: 10 3/8 in x 5 3/4 in x 4 3/4 in (26.353 cm x 14.605 cm x 12.065 cm)
Description: The Baule mask is carved of wood with a dark patina and kaolin on the rounded eyelids. The face is smooth and narrow, with a large forehead. The nose is elongated, met by a small mouth close to the bottom of the chin. A small false beard is centered on the end of the chin. Atop the head is a stylized coiffure marked by delicately incised lines. Three round protrusions line the forehead, thin patterns fill the eyebrows, and lines extend outward from the corners of the mouth; all potentially representing scarification patterns. Wrapping around the face are small triangular forms, a common characteristic of Baule face masks.
Type: Face Mask