Zoomorphic mask "bonu amwin" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Baule · ID: 3035787

Description

wood, polychrome paint, helmet-shaped, rep. (breakage at the snout), cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
“bonu amwin” means “god of the woods”. This mask of high authority belongs to the “do” secret society. This mask was greatly feared, it was a powerful force for averting harm and maintaining order in the community. Each village had at least one. Women were rigorously excluded from all performances and were not permitted to see the mask. Should a woman see one even by accident, it was said, she is doomed to die.

The object Zoomorphic mask “bonu amwin” with the object ID 3035787 was part of the auction 75th tribal art auction on November 30, 2013. The object with the lot number 75 achieved a sales price of EUR 460 with an asking price of EUR 450.

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