Baule Portrait Mask Kpan or Mblo with 3 faces, African Start Price USD 245.00 Current Price USD 245.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, November 16, 2008 End Time Tuesday, December 16, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Baule Portrait Mask Kpan or Mblo with 3 faces, African' Description Title: Baule Portrait Mask Kpan or Mblo with 3 faces, AfricanType of Object: Face maskEthnic Group: BauleCountry of Origin: Cote d'IvoireMaterials: wood, pigmentApproximate Age: 20th centuryDimensions: Length is 21.5 inches.Overall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: General wear Additional Information: A fascinating mask. To the usual elaborate baule hairstyle are added two faces. Elaborate facial scarification and a beard complete the ornamentation. Patina is encrusted in places and white pigment is still in place. This mask probably falls into a special grouping known as portrait masks. These portrait masks are said to portray an honored person of the village or a personal ancestor who is celebrated during a ceremonial dance known as Mblo. It is an aesthetic performance in which this beautifully carved mask would be worn with a multicolored costume and danced in the most graceful manner by either the person it represents or a relative. The costume would have been attached to the broad collar of the mask by cords that were threaded through the holes at the back of the mask. The Mblo dance reflects human virtues including graceful movements and elegant dancing steps and celebrates personal beauty and refinement. Masks of this category are danced to entertain during days that the Baule do not work and they will also appear to honor important visitors to the village.They also dance to honor the ancestor or the person represented by the mask. This beautiful mask recalls the creativity of the Baule artists of the past. The refined and well-carved face may be similar to the person for whom the mask was originally carved to represent. Recommended Reading: For more information see ART OF AFRICA by Kerchache et al, and Vogel's BAULE.AFRICAN ART WESTERN EYES**W3353** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!