Zoomorphic mask "bonu amwin" · Côte d'Ivoire, Baule · ID: 3039549
Description
wood, dark brown patina, polychrome pigment remains, helmet-shaped with open teeth revealing snout, min. dam., small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion;
this mask type belongs to men societies and is greatly feared by women who are not allowed to see them. The masks are danced to protect the village against threats, to discipline women, and at the funerals of important men. Their performances are fearsome spectacles, featuring violent behaviour and magical feats.
The object Zoomorphic mask “bonu amwin” with the object ID 3039549 was last part of the auction 81st Tribal Art Auction at October 31, 2015 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 223.
You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Comparing literature
Boyer, Alain-Michel, Baule, Milan 2008, pl. 3