African Arts Gallery

Bulky African mask intended for entertainment ceremonies and which can therefore, according to Baule tradition, be seen by women. The headdress brings together braided shells. The traditional scarifications called "ngole" form a slight relief on the face. Polychrome satin patina.
These portrait masks of the Baoulé, Kpwan, which are part of one of the oldest Baoulé artistic traditions and frequently represent an idealized character, have the particularity of appearing at the end of entertainment dance ceremonies. These are named, according to the regions, bedwo, ngblo, mblo, adjussu, etc.... Each of these masks are distinguished by the hairstyles, the location and the choice of scarifications, etc... Also called Gbagba, they personify graceful young girls or men whose valor or qualities of integrity are renowned. The new generations are gradually replacing these Mblo dances called Gbagba in some villages, retaining most of the old conventions, with the Kpan Kpan dance, whose masks raise societal problems or refer to political projects.