|
Name
|
Mblo |
|
Code
|
Baoule-01 |
|
Tribe
|
Baoulee: SubgroupYaure |
|
Country
|
Ivory Coast |
|
Notes
|
The masks used by the societies of the Guro & Baoule at their ceremonial dances display immense delicacy and attention to detail.
This black polished Mblo mask has the typical slit eyes shaped like coffee beans, a fine straight nose and delicate oval mouth. The zig zag border is also typical of this mask. Many of these masks have a symbol on the head in the form of a geometric ornament or a bird.
The Mblo masks belong to societies with socio-political tasks in the village, and are an expression of a mythical world picture, representing primeval beings imagined as the world’s creator. Among these are the sky god, Niamie, the earth goddess, Assie and the wind god, Gu, who turns the world by his breath. It is uncertain which of the many gods are represented by this mask. |
| Bibliography |
African Art: Its Background and Traditions by R. S. Wassing
Art and Life in Africa: A Selection from the Stanley Collection by Christopher D. Roy |
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