Portrait Mask

19th - early 20th century (before 1914)

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Baule and Guro masks, depicting beautiful women, promote cultural concepts of ideal beauty and values.　This mask, like several other works exhibited in "Statuary in Wood," does not show signs of wear or use, suggesting that its Ivoirian creator might have intended it specifically for trade with foreigners. Featuring the unusual naturalistic features (especially the well-defined chin) and the dark, gleaming patina sought after by collectors on the bourgeoning African-art market while combining several regional genres from central Côte d’Ivoire, masks like this one demonstrate the adaptability of African artists to respond quickly to outside demands.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Portrait Mask
Date: 19th - early 20th century (before 1914)
Geography: Côte d'Ivoire
Culture: Baule or Guro peoples
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: H. x W. x D.: 16 3/8 x 6 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. (41.6 x 16.5 x 11.4 cm)
Classification: Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line: Juan and Anna Marie Hamilton
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing