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Monkey Mask

Baulé

Artwork Details

Monkey Mask
20th century
Baulé
wood
11 in x 7 in x 3 in (27.94 cm x 17.78 cm x 7.62 cm)
Gift of Michael and Phyllis Courlander
2016/1.257

On Display

Not currently on display

Tags

Description

Subject Matter:

Baule masks typically represent animals, specific individuals, and social types. Masks depicting animals are traditionally only seen while the performer is in costume. This mask was potentially worn during the gba gba dance, a humourous performance that represents human, domestic, and bush animals through costume.

 

Sources:

Vogel, Susan, ed. For Spirits and Kings: African Art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman Collection. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1981.

Vogel, Susan. "Baule: African Art Western Eyes." African Arts 30, no. 4 (1997).

Vogel, Susan. Baule Art as the Expression of a World View. Ph.D. diss. New York University, 1977.

Physical Description:

Carved mask with an elongated, protruding nose that extends to the bottom of the mask. The mouth is open with articulated teeth.

Usage Rights:

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