African mask antiques tribal mask vintage Wood mask Carved Baule Kpwan -5291

25/16.5 CM
Ex-BelgianAfrican tribal art collectionAfrican mask of modest size intended for entertainment ceremonies. It could therefore, according to Baule tradition, be seen by women. The patina is velvety, grainy, partially chipped. The high headdress, in miter, depicts braids assembled in a shell. The face bears the traditional scarifications called "ngole". These Baoulé portrait masks, ndoma, which are part of one of the oldest Baoulé artistic traditions and frequently represent an idealized character, have the particularity of appearing at the end of entertainment dance ceremonies. These are named, depending on the region, bedwo, ngblo, mblo, adjussu, etc...