Baule mask, rare leather backing. Cote DIvoire Africa Start Price USD 450.00 Current Price USD 450.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, November 20, 2008 End Time Saturday, December 20, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Baule mask, rare leather backing. Cote DIvoire Africa' Description Face Mask w/leather Type of Object: Mask Ethnic Group/Tribe: Baule Country of Origin: Cote d'Ivoire Materials: Wood, stain, leather Approximate Age: 20th century Dimensions: 16 inches Overall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: Minor wear from use Additional Information: A classic Baule mask, full of the attention to detail which dominates Baule art. The exaltation of the feminine permeates Baule society, and their arts reflect this. Masks like ours were used in a variety of ceremonies, from funerals to community celebrations to rituals evoking the gods. Our mask is unique in that it has leather applied around the perimeter and across the back. This might have been used to protect the mask from insect damage or perhaps to make the mask more comfortable when danced. It adds an element of mystery and beauty to an already lovely piece. 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 original 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. Recommended Reading: See DREAMS AND REVERIE: IMAGES OF OTHERWORLD MATES AMONG THE BAULE, WEST AFRICA, by Ravenhill. **025413** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. Place a Bid!