Very large, splendid Baule Mblo face mask. Ivory Coast, West Africa.

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For auction is this superb, Baule Mblo face mask made by artisans of the Baule ethnic group. The Baule are an ethnic group now indigenous to Ivory Coast but originally part of the Akan ethnic group from Neighbouring Ghana who migrated to Ivory Coast led their by their Queen, Awura Pokou, who lost out against other leaders in a power struggle in the old Ashanti kingdom of Ghana. The Baules are known for their fine sculpted work which is extremely detailed, life-like and with almost an obsessive attention to detail. Their work remains very collectible and much sought-after for that reason. This is a Baule mblo face mask. These mask are special because they are created to feature in one of the oldest ceremonial dances of the Baule people called the "m blo ". The mblo is an entertaining dance that honours the ancestors of the Baules. The Dancers at real ceremonies are usually very skillful as most dances were performed wearing stilts and actual routines needed to be delivered perfectly because the mblo dance is performed to appease the spirit of ancestors. Mblo masks are highly definitive of the distinct style of Baule mask making. They feature a lustrous surface, elegant carved coiffure, raised scarification, slit or downcast eyes, small and sprouting mouth and life-like intricacy with overall form. This Mask is indeed a fine example. read more

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