Portrait mask "ndoma" of the "mblo" group ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Baule · ID: 3041406

Description

wood, dark brown patina, remains of kaolin and black paint, large flat face, raised scarification marks, sickle-shaped emblem on the forehead, fine grooved diadem-shaped coiffure with prominent half-spherical protrusion above the forehead, slightly dam., traces of insect caused damage, abrasion of paint, base;
“mblo” masks are always worn by men. They perform for entertainment at the so-called “gbagba”- dances. Most “mblo” portrait masks can be recognized by their facial features, their hairstyles, and their scarifications as depictions of known men and women.