African Arts Gallery

African mask from Ivory Coast, intended for entertainment ceremonies, and can therefore, according to Baule tradition, be seen by women. The headdress features braided shells. Traditional scarifications called "ngole" are in relief on the face. Satin black patina. Erosions.
Height on base: 52 cm.
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. The latter are named, depending on the region, 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. New generations are gradually replacing these Mblo dances called Gbagba in certain villages, while retaining most of the old conventions, with the Kpan Kpan dance, whose masks raise societal problems or refer to political projects.