Monkey mask

02
days
14
hours
18
minutes
55
seconds
Current bid
€ 85
Reserve price not met
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 190 - € 210
BE
€85
PT
€55

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Masque singe, a wooden mask from Côte d'Ivoire associated with Baoulé and Gouro cultures, dating to the late 20th century, 25 cm high, in good condition.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Origin. Côte d'Ivoire
Nom de la tribu. Baoulé / Gouro
Material. Wood
Dimension. 25 cm
Mode d'expédition colissimo sous 24-48h ouvrez

The decorative mask shown in the photo is a wood-carved piece representing an anthropomorphic face with simian features, characteristic of the traditional statuary of Côte d'Ivoire.
Here is a detailed description of its elements:
Morphological analysis

The eyes: The eyes are almond-shaped, half-closed, giving an expression of serenity or contemplation. They are framed by marked brow arches that meet at the level of the root of the nose.
The nose and mouth: The nose is straight and fine. The mouth is prominent, with full lips and well-defined, typical of the classic style of this region.
The ears: The ears are small, rounded and placed laterally, which reinforces the naturalistic and structured aspect of the whole.

Ritual details: One notices the presence of two small red fiber elements (likely fabric or remnants of ritual decorations) attached to the forehead and at the level of the top of the nose, which is common on objects used in ceremonies or possession rites.
Style and context
Although the style may evoke both Baoulé and Gouro traditions, this type of mask is often associated with secret societies (such as the Goli among the Baoulé or the Zaouli masks among the Gouro). The finesse of the features and the elegant stylization of the face reflect the refined aesthetics specific to these two Ivory Coast ethnic groups, where the mask serves as a mediator between the world of humans and that of spirits.

Origin. Côte d'Ivoire
Nom de la tribu. Baoulé / Gouro
Material. Wood
Dimension. 25 cm
Mode d'expédition colissimo sous 24-48h ouvrez

The decorative mask shown in the photo is a wood-carved piece representing an anthropomorphic face with simian features, characteristic of the traditional statuary of Côte d'Ivoire.
Here is a detailed description of its elements:
Morphological analysis

The eyes: The eyes are almond-shaped, half-closed, giving an expression of serenity or contemplation. They are framed by marked brow arches that meet at the level of the root of the nose.
The nose and mouth: The nose is straight and fine. The mouth is prominent, with full lips and well-defined, typical of the classic style of this region.
The ears: The ears are small, rounded and placed laterally, which reinforces the naturalistic and structured aspect of the whole.

Ritual details: One notices the presence of two small red fiber elements (likely fabric or remnants of ritual decorations) attached to the forehead and at the level of the top of the nose, which is common on objects used in ceremonies or possession rites.
Style and context
Although the style may evoke both Baoulé and Gouro traditions, this type of mask is often associated with secret societies (such as the Goli among the Baoulé or the Zaouli masks among the Gouro). The finesse of the features and the elegant stylization of the face reflect the refined aesthetics specific to these two Ivory Coast ethnic groups, where the mask serves as a mediator between the world of humans and that of spirits.

Details

Number of objects
1
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Monkey mask
Height
25 cm
FranceVerified
101
Objects sold
100%
protop

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