This ceremonial mask from the Yaure people of the Bouaflé region in central Côte d'Ivoire belongs to a mask tradition used within Yaure society during festivals, initiations, and formal ceremonies. Culturally close to the neighboring Guro and Baule peoples, the Yaure developed a distinctive visual style characterized by the combination of idealized human facial features, ornamentally abstracted superstructures, and nuanced polychromy. Such ceremonial masks did not represent specific individuals but rather embodied spiritual ideals of beauty, harmony, and social order. Incl stand. The oval face is framed by a carefully modeled wreath of hair, topped by a fin-shaped superstructure. A patterned hairband separates these two elements, emphasizing the composition's architectural structure. The high forehead, arched brows flowing seamlessly into a long, narrow nose, and a small mouth shaped into a circular "O" give the mask an expression of quiet concentration. The closed eyes reinforce the impression of inner composure and spiritual contemplation. Fine ornamentation on the temples and the bridge of the nose evokes traditional scarification patterns and adds rhythmic detail to the smooth surface. A decorative band encircling the lower face - positioned beneath the small ears - is adorned with alternating reddish and white triangular motifs. A small, grooved, stamp-like projection extends from this band beneath the chin, continuing the mask's vertical axis. White accents on the hairband, the upper fin-like superstructure, and the mouth create a balanced contrast against the dark patina. The sheen, fine surface wear, and subtle signs of use attest to the mask's long history of ritual use and lend it its historical authenticity. Selected Bibliography Fischer, Eberhard / Homberger, Lorenz: Die Kunst der Elfenbeinküste. Zurich 1979. Himmelheber, Hans: Die Kunst der Elfenbeinküste. Munich 1964. Vogel, Susan Mullin: Africa Explores: 20th Century African Art. New York 1991. Vandenhoute, Claude: Masques et sociétés traditionnelles de Côte d’Ivoire. Paris 1975. Cole, Herbert M.: Icons: Ideals and Power in the Art of Africa. Washington, D.C. 1989. Informant: Bakari M*A*Z*1*6*9*5*4* The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.