Yaoure Baule Mask with human figure

The African masks of the baoulé, baule, and those of the Yahouré, Yaure, naturalists, are often surmounted by varied skits accompanied by zoomorphic elements. The attention to detail is the hallmark of artists from Côte d'Ivoire.  This mask is surmounted by a male figure.

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 black patina 
Height: 
Width: 

Condition:

Expected surface wear with scuffs and abrasions commensurate with age and use. The wood has developed a warm dark patina resulting from age and use. The inside shows traces of wood splitting.