FILTER RESULTS × Close
Skip to Content ☰ Open Filter >>

Highlights: African Art

Showing 10 of 45


Image of Buffalo Mask (Mblo)

Baule Peoples
African

Buffalo Mask (Mblo)

20th century

Object Type: Sculpture
Dimensions:
16 1/2 x 9 1/2 x 5 3/8 in. (41.91 x 24.13 x 13.65 cm)
Medium and Support: Wood and pigment
Accession Number: 2013.0017.0008

Credit Line: Gift of Dileep and Martha Mehta


The Baule’s primary mask association is Goli, which coordinates celebrations of the harvest and important civic occasions like the visits of dignitaries. Goli masks represent wild and domestic animals and various types of people such as slaves, prostitutes, and dandies. The masks dance solo in a series of skits about village life, with the most important masks appearing last. As in most African masquerades, cloth costumes and raffia skirts cloak the identity of the maskers. The overall shape of the mask, the stylization of the features, and the linear treatment of the eyes are all typical features of Baule masks.

Keywords Click a term to view the records with the same keyword

Portfolio List Click a portfolio name to view all the objects in that portfolio
This object is a member of the following portfolios:


Your current search criteria is: Portfolio is "Highlights: African Art".