Ceremonial 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 € 150 - € 200
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Masque de cérémonie from Côte d'Ivoire, Yaouré culture.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Côte d'Ivoire
Yaouré
Bois
Height: 410mm
Width: 170mm
Depth: 115mm
1. General identification
This 41 cm wooden mask belongs to the artistic tradition of the Yaouré (Yauré), Akan people settled in the Bouaflé, Zuénoula and Sinfra regions, in the center-west of Côte d'Ivoire. The Yaouré have, for several centuries, maintained close historical and cultural ties with the Baoulé, which explains the numerous stylistic resemblances between the two traditions. However, several visible characteristics on this specimen support a Yaouré attribution.
The overall piece presents an idealized face crowned by a prominent openwork crest topped with a stylized bird, a composition particularly appreciated in Yaouré sculpture.
2. Ethnic attribution
2.1 A typiquement Yaouré aesthetics
Several elements point to Yaouré production:
• very elongated face;
• finely closed eyes;
• long, straight nose;
• small, discreet mouth;
• checkered lateral scarifications;
• peripheral edge with triangular teeth;
• large openwork crest supporting a bird.
This combination is much more common among the Yaouré than among the Baoulé.
2.2 Baoulé influence
Yaouré have largely adopted certain aesthetic canons of the Baoulé starting in the 18th century, so the face retains a softness and a search for balance characteristic of this Akan tradition.
3. Description of the face
3.1 The forehead
The forehead is exceptionally high and domed.
Among the Yaouré, it symbolizes:
• wisdom;
• self-control;
• moral nobility;
• ideal beauty.
The fine horizontal incisions representing the hairstyle create an elegant transition between the face and the crest.
3.2 The eyes
The almond-shaped eyes are almost entirely closed.
They convey:
• meditation;
• inner calm;
• the ability to communicate with the invisible world.
The gaze is not directed at people but toward ancestors and spirits.
3.3 The nose
The nose constitutes the main axis of the mask.
Long, straight and perfectly centered, it symbolizes:
• uprightness;
• authority;
• spiritual stability.
3.4 The mouth
Small and closed, it evokes:
• restraint;
• discreteness;
• mastery of speech.
In Yaouré thought, someone who speaks little is often considered wiser.
4. Scarifications
Small geometric scarifications appear near the temples.
They represent:
• cultural identity;
• community belonging;
• traditional beauty.
These motifs were formerly reproduced on certain high-ranking individuals.
5. The jagged borders
The sides of the mask feature a sequence of sculpted triangles.
This border is common in Yaouré sculpture.
It can symbolize:
• protection;
• a stylized braided hairstyle;
• the spiritual radiance of the represented figure.
It also emphasizes the verticality of the composition.
6. The crest
6.1 Remarkable architecture
The large open arch constitutes one of the most characteristic elements of this mask.
This structure:
• visually lightens the sculpture;
• increases its height;
• strengthens its presence during dance.
The play between solid parts and open spaces is typical of the finest Yaouré ateliers.
6.2 An aesthetic function
When the dancer moved quickly, the crest created a silhouette immediately recognizable, visible even from a distance.
7. The bird
7.1 A stylized representation
The summit is occupied by a large bird with long legs and a slender neck.
This is not a naturalistic representation but a symbol.
According to local traditions, it may evoke:
• a calao;
• a stilts bird (heron or similar);
• a mythical protective bird.
7.2 Its meaning
The bird is considered a mediator between:
• the earthly world;
• the world of ancestors;
• the realm of spirits.
It symbolically accompanies the mask bearer during ceremonies.
8. Function of the mask
8.1 Community dances
This type of mask was mainly involved in:
• major village celebrations;
• seasonal festivities;
• collective rejoicing.
The dancer temporarily embodied a benevolent spiritual power.
8.2 Funerals
Yaouré masks also appeared at funerals of important personalities.
They paid homage to the deceased while ensuring his passage to the world of ancestors.
8.3 Initiation ceremonies
In some villages, these masks also participated in rites of instruction for young initiates.
9. Symbolic function
9.1 The embodiment of a spirit
The mask was never considered a mere object.
Once worn, it became the visible manifestation of a protective spirit tasked with watching over the community.
9.2 The intermediary
The dancer symbolically ceased to be himself.
He became the living support of an invisible presence linking:
• humans;
• ancestors;
• supernatural forces.
9.3 A protective function
The ceremonies aimed in particular to:
• preserve village peace;
• favor harvests;
• maintain social order;
• ward off negative influences.
10. Artistic qualities
The sculpture shows great mastery.
Notably observable:
• perfect symmetry of the face;
• excellent balance of volumes;
• old polish achieved by repeated handling;
• meticulous execution of the eyelids;
• harmonious transition between the face and the crest.
The whole reveals the work of an experienced sculptor.
11. State of conservation
The photographs show:
• a beautiful homogeneous brown-black patina;
• consistent wear on the protruding parts;
• a few small ancient chips on the crest at the back;
• signs of use compatible with ceremonial use;
• an interior cavity showing regular wear.
No obvious sign of recent manufacture appears in these views.
13. Conclusion
This mask is a fine example of Côte d'Ivoire Yaouré sculpture, characterized by the combination of an idealized face and a large openwork crest topped by a protective bird. Through its balanced proportions, the finesse of its features, and the richness of its symbolic program, it illustrates the Yaouré conception of the mask as a temporary embodiment of a benevolent power. Intended for major public ceremonies, funerals or community festivities, it served not only as an ornament but as a mediator between the living, the ancestors and the invisible forces. The stylistic characteristics observed on this specimen allow us to propose, with good confidence, a Yaouré-tradition attribution, while recalling that reciprocal influences between Yaouré and Baoulé workshops are well documented.
The parcels are sent from Monday to Saturday with insurance and tracking number.
Delivery within 1 to 3 days in France via Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union.
Delivery in the rest of Europe and worldwide via Colissimo International.
We speak english
Mask african art Afrikanische Maskenkunst arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane
statue african art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst
Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano
Seller's Story
Passionate about World Arts and more specifically about African Art, we buy from collectors, former officials, military, health workers, public works staff who have worked in Africa and also in Côte d'Ivoire, from antique dealers and traders who roam across West Africa to find quality objects.
It is with pride that we present works that, beyond their power to beautify spaces, invite our collectors to resonate with the richness and depth of human expression through the most authentic art.
At Arts Ethniques Gallery, we have the privilege of offering our visitors an exclusive selection of artworks, all unique and original. Each piece presented is the outcome of a demanding artistic approach, driven by a singular vision and mastered craftsmanship, all elements that guarantee authenticity and value.
The works we offer are not industrial reproductions. They are individual creations, crafted with sensitivity and precision, each bearing its own story, identity and presence. Originality is the very foundation of our commitment to excellence. Thus, every mask and every statue in our collection is the subject of a rigorous selection, in order to preserve their rarity and singularity.
Acquiring a work from Arts Ethniques Gallery means owning a truly unique piece: a creation that embodies both talent, cultural memory and the expressive force of African art. It is also a lasting investment in a work whose artistic and emotional value transcends time.
We guarantee that every work leaving our gallery is an authentic piece, without replicas, bearing witness to the creativity, heritage and passion of the African artists who shaped them.
We invite you to participate in our gallery’s auctions with confidence. Each presented work is an original, unique and irreplaceable creation, selected with the greatest rigor to guarantee its authenticity and artistic value.
Whether you wish to enrich a personal collection or introduce an exceptional artwork into your space, Arts Ethniques Gallery offers a safe, transparent and professional setting to acquire remarkable pieces.
Art auctions are a privileged moment to discover rare works, capable of becoming the heart of a collection. Acquiring a work at our sales is not just buying an object: it is investing in a creation whose aesthetic value and cultural reach reinforce over time.
The pieces presented by Arts Ethniques Gallery testify not only to the talent and vision of the artists but also possess the ability to transform spaces and enrich the gaze of those who behold them.
Participating in our auctions is taking part in a singular experience, where the passion for art meets the rigors of collecting. Bidding on a work from Arts Ethniques Gallery goes beyond a simple transaction: it is a gesture of commitment and appreciation for art in its most authentic form.
We invite you to bid with passion and to join us in this adventure dedicated to discovery, transmission and celebration of art.
Perhaps your next heart piece is already waiting for you."
Translated by Google TranslateCôte d'Ivoire
Yaouré
Bois
Height: 410mm
Width: 170mm
Depth: 115mm
1. General identification
This 41 cm wooden mask belongs to the artistic tradition of the Yaouré (Yauré), Akan people settled in the Bouaflé, Zuénoula and Sinfra regions, in the center-west of Côte d'Ivoire. The Yaouré have, for several centuries, maintained close historical and cultural ties with the Baoulé, which explains the numerous stylistic resemblances between the two traditions. However, several visible characteristics on this specimen support a Yaouré attribution.
The overall piece presents an idealized face crowned by a prominent openwork crest topped with a stylized bird, a composition particularly appreciated in Yaouré sculpture.
2. Ethnic attribution
2.1 A typiquement Yaouré aesthetics
Several elements point to Yaouré production:
• very elongated face;
• finely closed eyes;
• long, straight nose;
• small, discreet mouth;
• checkered lateral scarifications;
• peripheral edge with triangular teeth;
• large openwork crest supporting a bird.
This combination is much more common among the Yaouré than among the Baoulé.
2.2 Baoulé influence
Yaouré have largely adopted certain aesthetic canons of the Baoulé starting in the 18th century, so the face retains a softness and a search for balance characteristic of this Akan tradition.
3. Description of the face
3.1 The forehead
The forehead is exceptionally high and domed.
Among the Yaouré, it symbolizes:
• wisdom;
• self-control;
• moral nobility;
• ideal beauty.
The fine horizontal incisions representing the hairstyle create an elegant transition between the face and the crest.
3.2 The eyes
The almond-shaped eyes are almost entirely closed.
They convey:
• meditation;
• inner calm;
• the ability to communicate with the invisible world.
The gaze is not directed at people but toward ancestors and spirits.
3.3 The nose
The nose constitutes the main axis of the mask.
Long, straight and perfectly centered, it symbolizes:
• uprightness;
• authority;
• spiritual stability.
3.4 The mouth
Small and closed, it evokes:
• restraint;
• discreteness;
• mastery of speech.
In Yaouré thought, someone who speaks little is often considered wiser.
4. Scarifications
Small geometric scarifications appear near the temples.
They represent:
• cultural identity;
• community belonging;
• traditional beauty.
These motifs were formerly reproduced on certain high-ranking individuals.
5. The jagged borders
The sides of the mask feature a sequence of sculpted triangles.
This border is common in Yaouré sculpture.
It can symbolize:
• protection;
• a stylized braided hairstyle;
• the spiritual radiance of the represented figure.
It also emphasizes the verticality of the composition.
6. The crest
6.1 Remarkable architecture
The large open arch constitutes one of the most characteristic elements of this mask.
This structure:
• visually lightens the sculpture;
• increases its height;
• strengthens its presence during dance.
The play between solid parts and open spaces is typical of the finest Yaouré ateliers.
6.2 An aesthetic function
When the dancer moved quickly, the crest created a silhouette immediately recognizable, visible even from a distance.
7. The bird
7.1 A stylized representation
The summit is occupied by a large bird with long legs and a slender neck.
This is not a naturalistic representation but a symbol.
According to local traditions, it may evoke:
• a calao;
• a stilts bird (heron or similar);
• a mythical protective bird.
7.2 Its meaning
The bird is considered a mediator between:
• the earthly world;
• the world of ancestors;
• the realm of spirits.
It symbolically accompanies the mask bearer during ceremonies.
8. Function of the mask
8.1 Community dances
This type of mask was mainly involved in:
• major village celebrations;
• seasonal festivities;
• collective rejoicing.
The dancer temporarily embodied a benevolent spiritual power.
8.2 Funerals
Yaouré masks also appeared at funerals of important personalities.
They paid homage to the deceased while ensuring his passage to the world of ancestors.
8.3 Initiation ceremonies
In some villages, these masks also participated in rites of instruction for young initiates.
9. Symbolic function
9.1 The embodiment of a spirit
The mask was never considered a mere object.
Once worn, it became the visible manifestation of a protective spirit tasked with watching over the community.
9.2 The intermediary
The dancer symbolically ceased to be himself.
He became the living support of an invisible presence linking:
• humans;
• ancestors;
• supernatural forces.
9.3 A protective function
The ceremonies aimed in particular to:
• preserve village peace;
• favor harvests;
• maintain social order;
• ward off negative influences.
10. Artistic qualities
The sculpture shows great mastery.
Notably observable:
• perfect symmetry of the face;
• excellent balance of volumes;
• old polish achieved by repeated handling;
• meticulous execution of the eyelids;
• harmonious transition between the face and the crest.
The whole reveals the work of an experienced sculptor.
11. State of conservation
The photographs show:
• a beautiful homogeneous brown-black patina;
• consistent wear on the protruding parts;
• a few small ancient chips on the crest at the back;
• signs of use compatible with ceremonial use;
• an interior cavity showing regular wear.
No obvious sign of recent manufacture appears in these views.
13. Conclusion
This mask is a fine example of Côte d'Ivoire Yaouré sculpture, characterized by the combination of an idealized face and a large openwork crest topped by a protective bird. Through its balanced proportions, the finesse of its features, and the richness of its symbolic program, it illustrates the Yaouré conception of the mask as a temporary embodiment of a benevolent power. Intended for major public ceremonies, funerals or community festivities, it served not only as an ornament but as a mediator between the living, the ancestors and the invisible forces. The stylistic characteristics observed on this specimen allow us to propose, with good confidence, a Yaouré-tradition attribution, while recalling that reciprocal influences between Yaouré and Baoulé workshops are well documented.
The parcels are sent from Monday to Saturday with insurance and tracking number.
Delivery within 1 to 3 days in France via Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union.
Delivery in the rest of Europe and worldwide via Colissimo International.
We speak english
Mask african art Afrikanische Maskenkunst arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane
statue african art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst
Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano
Seller's Story
Passionate about World Arts and more specifically about African Art, we buy from collectors, former officials, military, health workers, public works staff who have worked in Africa and also in Côte d'Ivoire, from antique dealers and traders who roam across West Africa to find quality objects.
It is with pride that we present works that, beyond their power to beautify spaces, invite our collectors to resonate with the richness and depth of human expression through the most authentic art.
At Arts Ethniques Gallery, we have the privilege of offering our visitors an exclusive selection of artworks, all unique and original. Each piece presented is the outcome of a demanding artistic approach, driven by a singular vision and mastered craftsmanship, all elements that guarantee authenticity and value.
The works we offer are not industrial reproductions. They are individual creations, crafted with sensitivity and precision, each bearing its own story, identity and presence. Originality is the very foundation of our commitment to excellence. Thus, every mask and every statue in our collection is the subject of a rigorous selection, in order to preserve their rarity and singularity.
Acquiring a work from Arts Ethniques Gallery means owning a truly unique piece: a creation that embodies both talent, cultural memory and the expressive force of African art. It is also a lasting investment in a work whose artistic and emotional value transcends time.
We guarantee that every work leaving our gallery is an authentic piece, without replicas, bearing witness to the creativity, heritage and passion of the African artists who shaped them.
We invite you to participate in our gallery’s auctions with confidence. Each presented work is an original, unique and irreplaceable creation, selected with the greatest rigor to guarantee its authenticity and artistic value.
Whether you wish to enrich a personal collection or introduce an exceptional artwork into your space, Arts Ethniques Gallery offers a safe, transparent and professional setting to acquire remarkable pieces.
Art auctions are a privileged moment to discover rare works, capable of becoming the heart of a collection. Acquiring a work at our sales is not just buying an object: it is investing in a creation whose aesthetic value and cultural reach reinforce over time.
The pieces presented by Arts Ethniques Gallery testify not only to the talent and vision of the artists but also possess the ability to transform spaces and enrich the gaze of those who behold them.
Participating in our auctions is taking part in a singular experience, where the passion for art meets the rigors of collecting. Bidding on a work from Arts Ethniques Gallery goes beyond a simple transaction: it is a gesture of commitment and appreciation for art in its most authentic form.
We invite you to bid with passion and to join us in this adventure dedicated to discovery, transmission and celebration of art.
Perhaps your next heart piece is already waiting for you."
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Indigenous object name
Ceremonial mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Yaure
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Sold by
