{"id":3762,"date":"2010-05-06T08:23:08","date_gmt":"2010-05-06T06:23:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.daltonsomare.com\/?post_type=opera&p=3762"},"modified":"2026-10-08T13:52:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T11:52:25","slug":"mask-baule-ivory-coast","status":"publish","type":"opera","link":"https:\/\/www.daltonsomare.com\/en\/work-of-art\/mask-baule-ivory-coast\/","title":{"rendered":"Ndoma Portrait Mask, Baule, Ivory Coast"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Late 19th century \u2013 early 20th century
\nWood
\n31 cm<\/p>\n

Provenance<\/h2>\n

Galerie R. Rasmussen, Paris
\nPrivate Collection, Paris
\nPace Gallery, New York
\nDalton Somar\u00e9 Gallery, Milan
\nAnna & Vittorio M. Carini Collection, Bergamo<\/p>\n

Exhibitions<\/h2>\n

Africa. The Land of Spirits<\/em>, MUDEC, Milan, 2015
\nParcours des Mondes, Paris, 2017<\/p>\n

Publications<\/h2>\n

C. Zevi, G. Pezzoli, Africa. The Land of Spirits<\/em>, 24Ore Cultura, Milan, 2015, p. 287
\nEntre Gr\u00e2ce et Brutalit\u00e9. La C\u00f4te d’Ivoire dans les collections italiennes<\/a><\/em>, Dalton Somar\u00e9, Milan, 2017, p. 67<\/p>\n

\n

Baule art and portrait masks<\/h2>\n

Baule sculpture is among the most refined expressions of African Art<\/strong><\/a>, characterized by a remarkable balance between ideal beauty and observed reality. Portrait masks in Baule culture do not aim at strict individual likeness but rather at expressing an ideal of harmony, dignity and social order.<\/p>\n

These masks were used in public ceremonies and performances, often associated with dance and communal events. Even when inspired by real individuals, they represent an aesthetic transformation, elevating the subject to a symbolic and idealized level.<\/p>\n

The face is defined by smooth surfaces, balanced proportions and controlled symmetry. Scarifications, hairstyle and facial details function as coded elements, expressing identity, status and cultural values.<\/p>\n

A meaningful comparison can be drawn with portrait masks of the Dan people of Ivory Coast and Liberia. Within the Dan tradition, certain masks, though linked to initiation systems such as the Poro society, display a striking attention to individual features, sometimes approaching true portraiture. Unlike the serene idealization of Baule masks, Dan masks often emphasize expressive tension and psychological intensity. This contrast reveals two distinct artistic approaches: Baule harmony and Dan expressive dynamism.<\/p>\n

The finely polished surface reflects careful craftsmanship, while the patina bears witness to ritual use and historical depth.<\/p>\n

Baule masks are highly prized for their formal refinement and their ability to synthesize aesthetic and symbolic values. This example, with its distinguished provenance and museum exhibition history, stands as an important work within the tradition.<\/p>\n

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Further reading<\/h3>\n

African Art Highlights<\/a>
\nAfrican Art Collection Archive<\/a>
\nAfrican Art in Italy<\/a>
\npublications<\/a>
\nexhibitions<\/a><\/p>\n

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Related Sculptures<\/h3>\n