Face mask "mblo" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Baule · ID: 3032484

Description

wood, slightly shining middle brown patina with blackish spots, small traces of camwood powder, a beautifully modelled face, crowned by an elaborate coiffure, consisting of three fine grooved, bulging lobes, slightly dam., crack (at the backside of the coiffure), on wooden base;
showing european facial features, nearly naturalistic modelled (wrinkles in the corner of the right eye);
Masks belonging to the “mblo” group do not have any ritual meaning but perform only for entertainment. They represent beautiful woman or girls from the village and can be said to have portrayal character. They may also represent men who became known for their bravery or outstanding social behaviour.

Comparing literature

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Kunst der Elfenbeinküste, München 2001, p. 98, ill. 34 Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 41