Baoulé mask with two faces - Côte d'Ivoire
03
days
11
hours
54
minutes
01
second
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 136828 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Masque Baoulé double visage, a wooden mask from the Baoulé people of Côte d'Ivoire, 30 cm high, in good condition and authentic original, single object.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Côte d'Ivoire.
Tribe name. Baoulé
Material. Wood
Dimension. 30 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
Structure bifacial: The piece is composed of two faces carved identically, placed back to back, sharing a central axis. This duality is a rare and prestigious form in Baoulé sculpture.
Facial features: The faces display the classic beauty standards of the ethnicity:
Almond, half-closed eyes expressing serenity and calm.
A straight and refined nose.
A small mouth with finely drawn lips.
Scarifications (kôdê) are visible on the forehead, just above the nasal bridge, and sometimes at the temples, typical of traditional identifying marks.
Hairstyles: Each head is topped with a stylized hairstyle, divided into several lobes or finely striped crests, reminiscent of the elaborate hairstyles once worn by notable figures or high-ranking individuals in Baoulé society.
Cultural and artistic context
In Baoulé culture, these masks are not meant to be worn on the face during dances; they are cult objects. They often embody spirits or ancestors and are used during specific ceremonies, such as agricultural rites, funerals of important characters, or celebrations aimed at reestablishing social order (such as Mblo dances).
The perfect symmetry and duality of this mask 1000465411.png suggest a strong symbolism, perhaps related to unity, complementarity (masculine/feminine, earth/sky), or the vigilance of the ancestors watching the world from all sides.
Origin. Côte d'Ivoire.
Tribe name. Baoulé
Material. Wood
Dimension. 30 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
Structure bifacial: The piece is composed of two faces carved identically, placed back to back, sharing a central axis. This duality is a rare and prestigious form in Baoulé sculpture.
Facial features: The faces display the classic beauty standards of the ethnicity:
Almond, half-closed eyes expressing serenity and calm.
A straight and refined nose.
A small mouth with finely drawn lips.
Scarifications (kôdê) are visible on the forehead, just above the nasal bridge, and sometimes at the temples, typical of traditional identifying marks.
Hairstyles: Each head is topped with a stylized hairstyle, divided into several lobes or finely striped crests, reminiscent of the elaborate hairstyles once worn by notable figures or high-ranking individuals in Baoulé society.
Cultural and artistic context
In Baoulé culture, these masks are not meant to be worn on the face during dances; they are cult objects. They often embody spirits or ancestors and are used during specific ceremonies, such as agricultural rites, funerals of important characters, or celebrations aimed at reestablishing social order (such as Mblo dances).
The perfect symmetry and duality of this mask 1000465411.png suggest a strong symbolism, perhaps related to unity, complementarity (masculine/feminine, earth/sky), or the vigilance of the ancestors watching the world from all sides.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Baoulé mask with two faces
Height
30 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
