Zoomorphic mask "bonu amwin" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Baule · ID: 3052121

Description

wood, pigments, resin,

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 3052121 was last part of the auction Collectors’ Items Sale at September 24, 2025 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 127 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,500.

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

Vogel, Susan Mullin, Baule, African Art - Western Eyes, New York 1997, p. 205