Yaoure Baule Mask with Bird

This mask of simple graphic purity is the fruit of the influence of Yaouré sculptors, west of Yamoussoukro, on the neighbouring Baoulé villages. The long thin nose, crescent shaped eyes and protruding lips are typical of these typenof masks. The mask is surmounted by a simple, geometrical art-deco like bird.

The masks of the Yohure represent human faces often supplemented by animal attributes. They have an elongated face with a protruding mouth and pierced semi-circular eyes set under a high forehead. An elaborate plaited coiffure parted on each side, often with horns at the end, completes the image, while the outline of the mask is characteristically surrounded by a serrated edge. The masks are considered emblems of yu spirits.

Date: Early 20th century
Origin: Yohure, Yaoure, Baule
Country: Ivory Coast
Material: Wood with warm redish-brown patina 
Height: 
Width: 

Condition:

Expected surface wear with scuffs and abrasions commensurate with age and use. The wood has developed a warm patina resulting from age and use.