Baule Portrait Mask C??te D'ivoire Hand Carved Wood Vintage West African Art

The Baule Portrait Mask, originating from baoule people's tribe Cte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is renowned for its detailed & realistic portrayal of human features. The mblo, numbering around 200,000, live west of the Baule & engage in agriculture, predominantly cultivating cotton, rice, coffee, & cocoa. Their masks, characterized by elegance & vibrant colors, often bear burn marks & layers of repaint. Used in various ceremonies, these masks are associated with secret societies, particularly the Je society, which plays a crucial role in social, political, & juridical matters. Village life is governed by a council of elders & these secret societies. The Guro Yaure Portrait Mask, beyond its visual appeal, holds cultural & spiritual significance for the Baule, reflecting their artistic prowess & cultural heritage. Collectors worldwide highly value this masterpiece of African art, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Baoule people. Kindly note; This is one of the very old masks we have & was collected several years back also it has been tribally used. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, & have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes & cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age & extensive use. This mask are old not a REMAKE but one of a kind from its tribe & tribally used ages between 35-80+years, collected across our beautiful continent - Africa. Please expect them to shows natural aging & wear [ cracks & wood chaps please watch video ], enhancing their vintage/ antique characters & authenticity. IF YOU NEED THE NATIONAL MUESUM CERTIFICATION PLEASE ASK AFTER YOU PLACE YOUR ORDER. Terms & conditions applied. Mask may look bright due to natural light.Kindly note, due to mask being handmade, please expect slight difference in sizes, color & raw material texture. Thank you. CARE;Do not submerge/soak in water. If necessary, use a damp cloth to wipe the mask clean. Baule Portrait Mask Cte D'ivoire Hand Carved Wood Vintage West African Art