This is the rating and price for Early 20Th C. African Baule Wood Mask

Description : **First Time At Auction** Western Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, Baule (Baoule) people, ca. early 20th century CE. A gorgeous Baule face mask of an elegant style, hand-carved from caramel-hued wood coated with mocha brown pigment. The serene countenance features a tall forehead, almond-shaped eyes with openwork pupils, a striated brow comprised of parallel double-arches (perhaps representing face paint), a long, straight nasal bridge that slightly rises and flares outwards at the nostrils, a petite mouth, positioned open and projecting forward, and a pointed chin, all flanked by two slender ears. A pair of striped parallel bands adorn each cheek, just below the eyes. The intriguing vizard's coiffure consists of a double-band of barred lines that arch over the forehead below a trapezoidal headdress incised with diagonal lines slanting inwards, likely intended to be feathers, with a central triple row of stippling. Size: 5.75 W x 11 H (14.6 cm x 27.9 cm), 14.75 H (37.5 cm) on included custom stand. The verso of the narrow visage displays several holes that have been drilled along the periphery allowing for it to be strapped to the head of the wearer. The Baule practice of theatrical performances and thespian-centered festivities is called the Mblo, a highly celebrated ceremony honoring upstanding or recently-deceased members of society. Primarily comprised of skits and interpretive dances, the Mblo is meant as an idealized representation of the individual being honored. The portrait masks created for the Mblo are oftentimes modeled after women due to their inherent grace and beauty as well as the entrancing way they dance. Because of how women perform in elegant, balletic styles, only the most experienced and highly-skilled dancers are allowed to don these masks. Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #161904
Price: 2 365.50 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 1500 USD-2250 USD It's free to register now to view!

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