Global Art & Artifacts

Hand Crafted Baule Ram Mask.  Zoomorphic. Stunning.  Cote d’Ivoire. Africa

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

 

 

The Baule are one of the Akan peoples who moved west to the Ivory Coast more than 200 years ago. They adopted masking traditions from their neighboring tribes such as the Guro, the Senufo and the Yaure.

 

During the 18th century, Baule queen, Aura Poku, was in direct conflict with the Asante king, and when the Asante prevailed, the queen led her people away to the land they now occupy.  Baule mythology tells that she had to sacrifice her son to the river god in order to complete escape safely. The male descendant of Aura Poku still lives in the original palace she established. The Baule today are the most powerful group in Cote d’Ivoire, admired as highly skilled politicians, as well as talented artists . . . producing some of the most elegant & detailed objects known in West Africa.

 

Among the masks of the Baule people of Cote d’Ivoire (specifically zoomorphic) are those representing bush spirits.   For various ceremonies (agricultural as well as funerals), the hyena, elephant, buffalo, ram, antelope, hippo, monkey are most often represented.

 

But the ram is the most dynamic.  Tribal members believe the ram has many male attributes and symbolize a male character.  It’s strong and beautiful spiral horns signify strength and power and represent things of the bush that are male and ungovernable.

 

This mask was acquired from a collector in Texas whose passion is these zoomorphic masks.

 

From the 1970s.  In good condition.  Stand not included.

 

This item as SOLD.  Thanks mucho, T.B.!!!

Search EsotericStuff.com
SERIOUS COLLECTORS

NOTE to the Art Collector, Gallery Owner, Dealer or Academic: click here for items unique to your requirements.

Product Categories
CContainers
Bowls, Boxes, Bells, Gongs, Medicine Holders. Containers not considered vessels
FFurniture / Furnishings
Furniture, Furnishings, Wall Hangings, Screens, Lamps, Display Pieces, Pedestals, Paintings
MMasks
Masks and Headgear
RReference / Research
Maps, Books and Materials
SStatues & Figures
Statues, Sculptures, Figures, Heads & Busts
VVessels & Vases
Vessels, Urns, Vases, Incense Burners, Censers
WWeapons
Knives, Swords, Letter Openers, Phurbas, Spears, Blowpipes
OOther not categorized
Other and miscellaneous such as Jewelry, Musical Instruments, Games, Garments, Skulls