Early 20th century
Wood
33 cm
Provenance
Collection H. Schnewckenburger, Munich
H. Simonis, Düsseldorf
Dalton Somaré, Milan
Private Collection, Milan
Publications
4 Masques Baoule du Cercle de Dimbokro, Didier Claes, Brussels, 2023
Baule art and the Sakassou workshop
Baule sculpture represents one of the highest achievements of African Art, characterized by a refined balance between formal rigor and expressive subtlety.
The Sakassou workshop is renowned for the exceptional quality of its works, particularly in the fluid construction of volumes and the refinement of surfaces.
Within Baule tradition, portrait masks do not aim at strict individual likeness but rather at expressing an ideal of physical and moral perfection.
The image represents not a specific person, but a model of beauty and social virtue.
Form and volume construction
This mask is distinguished by the remarkable fluidity of its volumes, a defining feature of Baule sculpture where the seamless transitions between forms create a harmonious and unified surface.
This interplay of volumes is one of the most distinctive aspects of the Baule sculptural language.
Expression and attitude
The figure conveys both modesty and dignity, key qualities of the Baule masculine ideal and its calm presence reflects a balance between introspection and social authority.
Details and symbolism
The carefully composed hairstyle and finely carved scarifications function as markers of identity and status.
Together, they define the image of a young, healthy man ready to fulfill his role within the community.
