Baule Mask Monkey Ivory Coast Africa 27 Inch

Description

Title
Baule Mask Monkey Ivory Coast Africa 27 Inch
Type of Object
Doll
Country of Origin
Cote d'Ivoire
People
Baule
Materials
Wood, glass eyes
Approximate Age
Mid 20th century
Height (in)
27.25
Width (in)
8.25
Depth (in)
6.5
Other Dimensions
Height: 27.25 Inches
Width: 8.25 Inches
Depth: 6.5 Inches
Overall Condition
Fair. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.
Damage/Repair
cracks, stains, scrapes.
Additional Information:
A Baule mask portraying the abstracted face of a primate.  The monkey form is clear, with a rounded and elongated jaw.   Carved from a single piece of hard, solid wood, this is an impressive example of Baule carving.  The patina is thick and the mask shows signs of age.
Monkey carvings known as Mbra and sometimes referred to as Gbekre are considered as power figure used in many rituals especially during a trance divination where the spirit of Mbra assists the diviner in his effort to transmit the spirits of other world message to the living in order to solve a problem during a consultation.
The Baule have produced animal masks, very often composed of human and zoomorphic elements taken from animals prominent in everyday life . As for many other animal masks this one would dance to honor visiting dignitaries and during funerals honoring senior men and former dancers of masks. Though identified with the sacred forest and the men’s society, Baule animal masks do not appear to have a well defined religious or ritual function. However they serve to protect the village from external danger or war. In any case they are not to be seen by women during their appearance.
**112970**
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