Baoulé mask with two faces - Côte d'Ivoire
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 190 - € 210
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Masque Baoulé double visage, a two‑faced wooden Baoulé mask from Côte d’Ivoire, 30 cm high, dating to the late 20th century and in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Ivory Coast.
Tribe name. Baoulé
Material. Wood
Dimension. 30 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
Decorative mask
Structure bifacial: The piece is composed of two faces carved identically, joined back-to-back, sharing a central axis. This duality is a rare and prestigious form in Baoulé statuary.
Face features: The faces exhibit the tribe's classic beauty canons:
Almond-shaped, 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 level of the temples, typical of the traditional identity marks.
Hairstyles: Each head is topped with a stylized coiffure, divided into several lobes or finely striped crests, recalling the elaborate hairstyles once worn by notable or high-ranking individuals in Baoulé society.
Cultural and artistic context
In Baoulé culture, these masks are not intended to be worn on the face during dances, but are cult objects. They often embody spirits or ancestors and are used during specific ceremonies, such as agricultural rites, funerals of important figures, or celebrations aimed at restoring 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/heaven) or to the vigilance of the ancestors who watch over the world from all sides.
Origin. Ivory Coast.
Tribe name. Baoulé
Material. Wood
Dimension. 30 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
Decorative mask
Structure bifacial: The piece is composed of two faces carved identically, joined back-to-back, sharing a central axis. This duality is a rare and prestigious form in Baoulé statuary.
Face features: The faces exhibit the tribe's classic beauty canons:
Almond-shaped, 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 level of the temples, typical of the traditional identity marks.
Hairstyles: Each head is topped with a stylized coiffure, divided into several lobes or finely striped crests, recalling the elaborate hairstyles once worn by notable or high-ranking individuals in Baoulé society.
Cultural and artistic context
In Baoulé culture, these masks are not intended to be worn on the face during dances, but are cult objects. They often embody spirits or ancestors and are used during specific ceremonies, such as agricultural rites, funerals of important figures, or celebrations aimed at restoring 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/heaven) or to the vigilance of the ancestors who watch over the world from all sides.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Baoulé mask with two faces
Height
30 cm
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