Ivorian Baule Mask - Ebony Face with Headdress

Baule Mask from Ivory Coast

20th Century

The Baule people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). They belong to the Akan peoples who inhabited Ghana centuries ago. According to a legend, in the eighteenth century, the queen mother, Abla Pokou had to lead her people west to the shores of Comoe, the land of Senufo. To cross the river she sacrificed her son. 

This sacrifice originated the name Baule, for Baouli means “the child has died”. Baule art is sophisticated and diverse. Masks, sculptures, doors, and objects allow closer contact with the supernatural world. Baule masks feature a perfectly round, domed face framed by a flat rim bordered with a pierced serrated decoration, echoing the zigzag border of a cup delicately balanced at the summit. The crescent eyes, slender nose, naturalistic mouth, and a panel of concentric triangles carved in relief on each cheek contribute to the refined composition.