Baule brass mask Cote DIvoire, fine hairstyle Start Price USD 250.00 Current Price USD 250.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, November 12, 2008 End Time Friday, December 12, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Baule brass mask Cote DIvoire, fine hairstyle' Description Brass mask. Baule. Cote D'Ivoire. Height is 7 inches. Cast brass. Mid 20th Century. The Baule are among the most respected artists in all of Africa, and they excel in a variety of mediums, including small, finely-detailed metal masks produced by the ancient lost-wax method. These small gems, though sometimes worn, are usually prestige items, and hung proudly for display in the huts of important elders. This is a large and exquisite example, with a charmingly unique, wide-mouthed expression. It is far more dynamic than the more commonly seen, highly-stylized versions. The Baule are members of the Akan peoples, who inhabit Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. During the 18th century, the Baule people migrated westward from Ghana when the Asante rose to power. The story of how they managed to break away from them has been preserved in their oral traditions. During the emergence of the Asante the Baule queen, Aura Poku, was in direct conflict with the Asante king, and when the Asante prevailed, the queen led her people away to the land they now occupy. Baule mythology holds that she had to sacrifice her son to the river god in order to complete the exodus safely. The male descendant of Aura Poku still lives in the palace she established, and is honored by the Baule as their symbolic king. The Baule today are the most powerful group in Cote d'Ivoire, admired as highly skilled politicians, as well as talented artists, who have produced some of the most elegant objects known in West Africa.**020333** 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!