This impressive Baoulé mask from the mid-20th century, originating from the central region of Ivory Coast, is a central piece in the rich cultural and spiritual tradition of the Baoulé ethnic group. With a round shape, large expressive eyes, sharp teeth, and horns that curve into a circle, this mask is not only a piece of craftsmanship but also a deeply symbolic object.
The Baoulé, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ivory Coast, have been using masks in ceremonies and rituals for centuries. This type of mask, with its exaggerated facial features, holds deep spiritual meaning. The large eyes represent wisdom and the ability to see beyond the physical realm, while the sharp teeth symbolize protection and defense against evil spirits. The circular horns, a distinctive feature of this mask, are associated with strength, resilience, and power, qualities linked to sacred animals in Baoulé cosmology.
Hand-carved from wood, the mask is meticulously crafted by local artisans using ancestral techniques passed down from generation to generation. Its round shape alludes to perfection and the cycle of life, a common belief in many African cultures. The curved horns encircling the top of the mask evoke the image of a mythical creature or ancestral spirit, reinforcing its protective function.
The large eyes in this mask not only hold aesthetic value but also symbolize the connection with ancestors and the spiritual world. For the Baoulé, the deep gaze symbolizes the ability to access hidden knowledge and inner vision, while the sharp teeth convey the energy of spiritual combat against evil forces.
In Baoulé culture, masks are used in ritual dances, especially during festivities related to fertility, harvest, or funerals of important figures. Masks like this one are integral to ceremonies seeking protection from spirits and the intervention of ancestors in the community's well-being. It is believed that when wearers don these masks, they embody the power of protective spirits, ensuring harmony and balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
This mask, with its circular horns, prominent eyes, and sharp teeth, was likely used in rituals celebrating the strength and power of protective ancestors. These ceremonies sought blessings and protection for the village, especially in times of difficulty or when the community needed to make important decisions.
Please sign in first.
Sign in
English GB
Español 
