Yaure/Guro or Baule Mask, AMBASSADOR COLLECTION Start Price USD 790.00 Current Price USD 790.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, October 05, 2008 End Time Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Yaure/Guro or Baule Mask, AMBASSADOR COLLECTION' Description Yaure/Guro or Baule Mask, Cote D'IvoireType of Object: mask Ethnic Group: Yaure, Guro or Baule Country of Origin: Cote D'Ivoire Materials: Wood, pigmentApproximate Age: mid 20th Century Dimensions: 18 inches H.Overall Condition: Good, natural wear Damage, Repair: damage on face chin area, buttom, and top back of maskProvenance:From the Collection of Ambassador Patricia and Mr. Richard Hawkins Ambassador Hawkins is currently the U.S. Ambassador to Togo. She has previously served the State Department in Zaire, now Democratic Republic of the Congo; Burkina Faso; and Cote D'Ivoire. Richard Hawkins is also a career Foreign Service Diplomat. Both of them have connoisseur's eyes.  The Hawkins' have collected African art for many years, and we are delighted to offer a portion of their magnificent collection. Additional Information: Details on our mask suggests stylistic links to other Cote d'Ivoire groups like the Guro and Yaure. Traditional Baule elements are elaborate coiffure and keloid scarification on the forehead, almond shaped eyes, long and finial nose, the small mouth, and the serene expression of the face. The carvded beard is shared by both the Baule and Yaure and also by the Guro. This mask is surmounted with a very fine elaborate coiffure, symbol of  beauty and majesty. If truly a Baule mask it falls into a special grouping known as men and women ‘portrait masks’, Kpan Pre, Kpan Kpan.These masks are said to portray an honored person of the village 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 feminine virtues including graceful movements and elegant dancing steps and celebrates her beauty. These masks are danced to entertain during days that the Baule do not work and they will also appear to honor important visitors to the village. Recommended Reading: Vogel's BAULE-AFRICAN ART WESTERN EYESI have examined this piece and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, Ph.D. **041285** 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!