A Baule horn mask, Beomi region, Côte d’Ivoire. Incl stand. Béoumi lies in the north-central Baule cultural zone, within the transitional savanna–forest belt of Côte d’Ivoire. Historically positioned between the core Baule political centers to the south and Senufo territories to the north, the region developed as a site of agricultural production, regional exchange, and artistic circulation. While Baule identity is rooted in Akan-speaking migrations traditionally associated with Queen Pokou, northern Baule regions such as Béoumi evolved distinctive artistic expressions shaped by proximity to non-Akan groups. This geographic position contributed to the development of masking traditions that differ in tone and structure from the refined portrait masks (Mblo) of central Baule courts. Baule horn masks from the Béoumi region are distinguished by their striking visual architecture and symbolic resonance. They typically feature a circular or disc-like face, often framed by prominent projecting horns resembling those of an antelope. Facial elements are rendered in bold geometric forms, with tubular or cylindrical eyes that enhance the mask’s expressive clarity. Surfaces are painted in high-contrast combinations of white, black, and red pigments, emphasizing the mask’s dramatic presence. Symmetry and frontal impact are central to the design, projecting authority and visibility in performance contexts. The upward sweep of the horns establishes a dynamic vertical axis, visually energizing the figure while symbolizing power, vitality, and a connection to both natural and spiritual realms. This formal vocabulary contrasts sharply with the restrained elegance and introspective refinement of Baule portrait masks, highlighting the distinct function and aesthetic of Goli masquerades in the Béoumi region. DSC09532