Face mask of the "mblo" group
Eduard Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Description
wood, blackish brown patina, encrusted in some areas, beautiful regular face with a fine grooved diadem-shaped coiffure, which is separated from the facial plane by plaited lobes, “ngole” (= marks) across the forehead and on the temples, prominent nose and mouth, slightly dam., paint rubbed off in some places, rep. (back of the rim);
the last masks to appear in the course of the “gbagba” masquerade are portraits that represent recognized, named individuals. The men and women portrayed in masks are known for their great skills as dancers, for their exceptional beauty, or because they are important political figures. They represent an ideal in Baule culture typified in this mask.
The “gbagba” is one of the many Baule festivities where the masks “come out” in groups of three or eight, or even more, to welcome an official to the village, or for other celebrations. These masks, considered the “women’s favorites”, have no sacred function. They appear in the afternoon accompanied by drums.