This mask, from the Bouaflé region in the central west of Ivory Coast, belongs to the Yaure (also: Yaouré) tradition, whose mask art is closely related to the neighboring Baule and Guro traditions. Within Yaure societies, masks function as vehicles of spiritual power and appear in complex performances that combine social order, aesthetic ideals, and metaphysical concepts. Incl stand. The dominant feature is the bird motif placed on the head, its downward-pointing, white-pigmented beak suggesting an active, almost narrative gesture. The finely crafted ornamentation of the wings underscores the high level of craftsmanship, while an age-related crack in the bird's leg reveals the object's material history. Such animal headdresses are characteristic of Yaure masks and can be interpreted as mediators between different spheres. The face itself is characterized by harmonious unity: A delicate, white-rimmed headband and gently modeled eyelids lend the mask a calm, introverted appearance. The eyebrows flow seamlessly into the bridge of the nose, creating an elegant silhouette. The mouth, shaped like an "O," and the small, carved goatee accentuate the lower part of the face. Circumferential decorative bands and small, box-like elements at the temples—possibly references to scarification—further structure the surface. The glossy patina suggests prolonged ritual use and confirms the mask's integration into performative contexts, where it unfolds its visual and spiritual power. Literature (Selection) Vogel, Susan Mullin: Baule: African Art, Western Eyes. New Haven, 1997. Fischer, Eberhard: African Art. Munich, 2006. Cole, Herbert M.: Icons: Ideals and Power in the Art of Africa. Washington, 1989. CAB46873