Ram mask – Wood – Baule – Ivory Coast

Large Baule Ram mask from Ivory Caost. The Baule people of Cote d’Ivoire are renowned for their artistry, notably their serene human face carvings and prized zoomorphic creations like the ram masks, revealing their skill and aesthetic brilliance. Gbagba performances entertain while offering social commentary, accompanied by horned masks representing hunted wild animals. Carved from a single wood piece and worn atop the head, these masks are adorned with renewed colors for each performance. Zoomorphic masks, such as the revered ram mask, symbolize bush or agricultural spirits, embodying characters and qualities akin to humans during village festivals. The ram mask, with its powerful spiral horns, signifies masculine strength and vigor.
This superb mask is carved in one piece of wood.
Great patina in good condition with traces of wear and tear.

Provenance: former private German collection