A beautiful old Baule Ram Mask from the West African country of Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and acquired by an estate's big game hunter ancestor sometime prior to the mid-20th century. Mask measures 14 in. in length by 5.25 in. at widest point (35.5 x 13.5 cm) and in near fine condition (loss to tip of one antler, various scrapes and marks, wear consistent with age and/or use). Depicting a Ram on a punch hole background typical of the masks made by the Baule people of the Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa
The Baule of the Cote d'Ivoire are renowned for their masterful portrait and zoomorphic masks and are revered as among the most moving and accomplished masks in African indigenous art.
The present mask depicts a Ram figure which was integral to the diet and landscape of the Baule people and the artist has given real life to the mask which would have been used in initiations, celebrations and funerals. Holding considerable cultural significance and acting as a medium to commune with the spiritual world they were treasured valuable family heirlooms. Our mask was collected by a long past big game hunter generations ago and has remained a cherished family heirloom ever since.
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