bowl at oracle - Baule

Ivory Coast
Baoulé
Wood
Height: 250mm
Width: 245mm
Depth: 75mm

The Baoulé oracle mask from Ivory Coast is a rare and profoundly spiritual piece in Baoulé culture, used to interrogate invisible forces and obtain answers to important questions.

Here's what you need to know:
Ritual function with divinatory use:
This mask is used by diviners or fetasheurs to communicate with spirits or ancestors. It serves to reveal hidden truths, diagnose illnesses, or resolve conflicts. During ceremonies: It is involved in complex rituals, often accompanied by dances, songs, and offerings.

Artistic characteristics:
Appearance: The mask may feature stylized human traits, sometimes combined with zoomorphic elements (such as horns or beaks) to symbolize supernatural power.
Materials: Carved wood, sometimes stained or decorated with natural pigments, cowries or metal.
Expression: The face is often grave, the eyes half-closed, conveying concentration and connection with the invisible world.

Cultural context:
The Baoulé are part of the larger Akan group and are renowned for their refined art. The oracle mask is one of the most sacred objects, rarely publicly displayed.
It is distinct from festive masks like the Mblo (honorific portraits) or the Goli (masks of rejoicing), because it is reserved for spiritual and confidential uses.

This mask is representative of Baoulé art, with a balance between form and volume and finely carved details.

Packages are shipped Monday through Saturday with insurance and tracking number.
Delivery in France takes 1 to 3 days with Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union.
Delivery in the rest of Europe and worldwide with Colissimo International.

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