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Baoule Mask

Monkey mask Ivory Coast



This sacred African mask of conjuration originates from one of the many Baoulé cults, which are believed to include seven masks. It is the powerful embodiment of a force being called 'amwin.' This mask could be linked to harvest-related ceremonies. Animal masks always accompanied portrait masks, in fact.

This model features a chest plate garnished with raphia fibers that concealed the dancer's costume attachments.

According to Baoulé mythology, a royal ancestor had to sacrifice his son to cross a river. This

The event is the origin of the name Baoulé, Bauli, meaning 'the child is dead.' They represent the majority of the population of Côte d'Ivoire. Baoulé African art artists have produced very elegant and diverse works, including many masks. There are also so-called 'entertainment' masks that are danced during specific festivities. These objects, whose characteristics are influenced by the Senufo, have several names, including aboya or mbotumbo, and belong to the group of 'force beings' or amwin, intermediaries between God and humans, given to the Baoulé by their Creator, just like the sacred masks they also use.