Baule OLD Portrait Antique African Tribal Mask w/ Stand 23" Exquisite Patina from Age Wear Use Exceptional ! Start Price USD 895.00 Current Price USD 895.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, October 06, 2008 End Time Wednesday, November 05, 2008 Location Santa Fe, NM See more about 'Baule OLD Portrait Antique African Tribal Mask w/ Stand' Description   Baule OLD Portrait Mask w Custom StandAntique African Art Tribal Masque Cote d'Ivoire     A Sublime Old Baule Baoule Portrait MaskAntique African Art - Tribal Masque - Cote d'Ivoire Collected from the: Baule Baoule peoples of Cote d'Ivoire, West AfricaMaterial: Carved wood, pigment, skin oil, custom standPeriod: Early 20th centuryDimensions: 16.5" height, 7.5" width, 5.5" depth; weight is 2.00 pounds or 23" height, 3.25 pounds on standCondition: Excellent. From a private Houston collection, exquisite signs of age and wear from authentic tribal use, age cracks and nicks stable, exposed wood displays significant patination. Make special note of the perfect symmetry, serene expression, intricate coiffure, surface condition, hole wear, and intact bite bar: dark, ritually oiled patina displays traces of skin oil on smooth, worn interior/exterior rim indicative of frequent tribal wear and handling - a splendid specimen ! Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this delightful old masque! And be sure to see the incredible AFRICAN MASKS in our eBay store! Or explore our exquisite AFRICAN SCULPTURES! Click Images to Enlarge Baule Baoule Mask Traditions and Use The Baule used three major types of masks, the first of which was a buffalo shaped helmet known as Bonu Amwin. The second type belonged to a group known as Mblo, Blo, Ngblo, Gbo, Ajusu and/or Gbagba, depending on the region, which represented a human face with rounded, fairly realistic features. The third type included masks related to the Goli festival. The second type of Baule face masks, known as Mblo or Blo, were characterized by a rounded face with realistic features, pointed chin, T-shaped nose, semi-circular eyes, raised scarification typical of the Baule tribe, and an elaborate coiffure. They do not appear to have had any sacred function and were worn only in dance intended to entertain during festivities related to visits by important dignitaries. As “portraits” of a beautiful woman or man, Alain-Michel Boyer emphasized that a faithful likeness of the model was not the point, for, as one of his Baule contacts explained, “a sculptor is no photographer.” Old Baule masks with figures are rare though an ever varied range of birds was a favored motif as artists and owners chose these for their beauty rather than for any symbolic value. History of the Baule Baoule Tribe"The Baule represent one of the most important tribes of the central Cote d'Ivoire region of West Africa . Their name is testimony to their birth - according to legend, Queen Aba Pokou led her people on an exodus towards the gold mining areas during the 18th century and had to cross a river where she was obliged to sacrifice her oldest son to the river god, thus giving her people the name Bauli, 'the son is dead'. During the 19th century, the queendom disintegrated due to internal conflicts and by the beginning of the 20th century, when the French colonials arrived, they found only a network of villages, headed by councils of venerated men.", according to Bacquart. The Baule are known for their figurative carvings of statues and masks, along with their figurative decoration of everyday objects such as doors, boxes, heddle pulleys, drum tappers, and gold and bronzes pendants and jewelry designs which clearly display a strong influence from their Akan ancestry. Cat. # am7 ************************************************************************************ THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING SANTA FE AFRICAN ART !!!We strive to earn your ***** FIVE STAR ***** rating in all 4 categories! If you are not 5 star satisfied, please contact us immediately! Your Satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ! ************************************************************************************ Multiple purchases = SUBSTANTIAL savings on your shipping costs! Never a charge for handling! Important Note: UPS and USPS International request a daytime phone number for delivery, PLEASE be sure to include this information with your payment to ensure expedited service. Insured UPS Ground shipping within the continental United States is FREE with this purchase! USPS International Priority Mail rates were reduced by an equal amount in fairness to our valued international clients. Optional USPS insurance is highly recommended! Please email us with your Zip or Postal Code for combined or alternate shipping rates PRIOR to making your payment. We Offer a Variety of Payment Methods to Meet YOUR Needs ! PayPal and all major credit cards are gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 7 days of your purchase. In consideration of discounts given, we respectfully request immediate payment on all Best Offers unless arrangements are made prior to acceptance. Please contact us directly if other payment arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help! Your Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed !!! Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked! Affordable Auction Management and Image Hosting Solutions @ inkFrog view my other auctions below:   visit my entire auction showcase Place a Bid!