Wedding mask - Yaure - Côte d'Ivoire
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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Title: Masque de mariage; origin Ivory Coast; Yaure culture; material wood; height 35 cm; weight 850 g; single object; provenance Galerie Wolfgang Jaenicke, Berlin; condition excellent.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
The “Wedding Mask” from the Bouaflé region of Ivory Coast belongs to the Yaure masks, renowned for their exceptional balance between abstraction and naturalism.
It is an authentic object in excellent condition with a dark, glossy polished surface.
The mask typically features an oval, slightly elongated face that emphasizes its calm and controlled expression. The facial features are reduced to the essentials: half-open, almond-shaped eyes beneath softly arched brows, a narrow, straight nose, and a small, closed mouth that reinforces the impression of tranquil restraint.
The two stylized birds rising above the head are meant to indicate the presence of spiritual powers, the Yu spirits.
Although these masks are often referred to as “wedding masks,” Yaure masks are associated with ritual performances, funerary ceremonies, and dances. In this context, the mask functions as a mediator between the world of people and the spirit world and is intended to restore balance in communal life after death.
Within Yaure art production, especially in the Bouaflé region, such masks are recognized for their formal refinement and their emotional restraint. Rather than expressive drama, they embody an ideal of inner balance and spiritual authority.
An extraordinary object in every respect.
Provenance Galerie Wolfgang Jaenicke, Berlin with certificate
No shipping to the USA and Russia.
The “Wedding Mask” from the Bouaflé region of Ivory Coast belongs to the Yaure masks, renowned for their exceptional balance between abstraction and naturalism.
It is an authentic object in excellent condition with a dark, glossy polished surface.
The mask typically features an oval, slightly elongated face that emphasizes its calm and controlled expression. The facial features are reduced to the essentials: half-open, almond-shaped eyes beneath softly arched brows, a narrow, straight nose, and a small, closed mouth that reinforces the impression of tranquil restraint.
The two stylized birds rising above the head are meant to indicate the presence of spiritual powers, the Yu spirits.
Although these masks are often referred to as “wedding masks,” Yaure masks are associated with ritual performances, funerary ceremonies, and dances. In this context, the mask functions as a mediator between the world of people and the spirit world and is intended to restore balance in communal life after death.
Within Yaure art production, especially in the Bouaflé region, such masks are recognized for their formal refinement and their emotional restraint. Rather than expressive drama, they embody an ideal of inner balance and spiritual authority.
An extraordinary object in every respect.
Provenance Galerie Wolfgang Jaenicke, Berlin with certificate
No shipping to the USA and Russia.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Yaure
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Wedding mask
Height
35 cm
Weight
850 g
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
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