Entertainment mask "mblo" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Baule · ID: 3048801

Description

wood, oiled, kaolin, remains of an old collection label

The term “mblo” is used to describe dance performances that are performed in times of stress, social anxiety or political reversals, to bring relief and entertainment to the community.

“Mblo” performers wear costumes that include portrait and animal face masks, and their dances mimic the behaviour of the character their costumes portray.

Human masks carved in the artistic image of a female are called “ndoma”, meaning “namesake”. “Ndoma” masks usually bear the name of the person represented and during performances, that person is required to be present when her mask appears.