Cote d’Ivoire

The Baoule are an Akan people and one of the largest groups in Cote d’Ivoire. Traditionally farmers, the Baoule live in a triangle-shaped region between the two rivers, Bandama and N’Zi. They waged the longest war of resistance to French colonisation of any West African people, and maintained their traditional objects and beliefs longer than many other groups. Baoule art is sophisticated and stylistically diverse. Non-inherited, the sculptor’s profession is the result of a personal choice. With typically bulging eyes, an open mouth, the masks were used in dances and ritual celebrations.

H. 52 – W. 17 cm