Bird Mask - Koulango - Côte d'Ivoire

Mask - Koulango - Wood - Ivory Coast - 50 cm.

A remarkable example of a Koulango mask with long horns and a scarified face.
It features a bird's head with a long neck fixed on the top and between the horns.
The rim around the half-closed eyes is covered with studs. The mouth is small and rectangular.
In Koulango art, the buffalo is a revered animal. This mask belongs to the Dô society.
Ancient mask carved from heavy wood. The patina is quite dark.
The mask is in good condition. Slight loss on the sides of the horns at mid-height.
The mask originates from the Bouna region in the northeast of Côte d'Ivoire.