Mask of the cult of the gé - Yaure - Côte d'Ivoire

Ivory Coast Baoulé Wood Height: 370 mm Width: 160 mm Depth: 155 mm Small losses on the back due to use and aging. This mask comes from the Yaouré (Yaure) people, a cultural group in Ivory Coast who are geographically and stylistically close to their Baoulé and Gouro neighbors. Although it evokes Baoulé aesthetics due to strong artistic similarities and shared influences among these central Ivory Coast ethnic groups, the sculptural details of this piece (notably the tooth-edged border characteristic of the face) point to the specific refinement of Yaouré art. 1. Stylistic and Aesthetic Characteristics This mask stands out for its exceptionally fine execution and pursuit of ideal harmony: • The face and eyes: The face has an oval, elongated profile with great gentleness. The eyes are carved in crescent shapes, nearly closed, topped with fine arched eyebrows that meet at the base of a long, straight nose. The mouth is small, projected forward in a expression of serene inwardness. • The tooth-edged border: The contour of the face is outlined by a delicate sawtooth frieze. This feature is one of the most emblematic plastic signatures of Yaouré masks, serving to delineate the anthropomorphic face from the coiffure. • The complex coiffure: The head is crowned with an imposing and highly structured hairstyle, divided into ridges or braids deeply incised with geometric parallel lines. • The back and openings: The reverse of the mask is deeply hollowed to fit the wearer's face. The eyes and mouth are perforated to allow vision and breathing, and the contour is pierced with several fixation holes intended to attach the raffia fiber costume. • The patina: The object bears a dark, dense, satin patina, evidence of careful handling and ritual manipulations. 2. Usage and Ritual Significance Among the Yaouré, masks of this type are major sacred objects associated with male mask societies and the Je (or Gye) cult: • Funeral ceremonies: These masks are mainly worn during mourning rites for important figures. Their dance chiefly serves to purify the village, restore the social and cosmic balance disturbed by death, and guide the deceased's soul to the realm of the ancestors. • A formidable spiritual power: Although aesthetically refined and appearing peaceful, these masks carry a powerful mystic charge (Sewa). They are considered direct intermediaries with forces from the beyond. • Prohibition for the profane gaze: Traditionally, handling and viewing these masks during certain ritual phases were strictly forbidden to women under penalty of spiritual sanctions or sterility. The dancers moved to the sound of sacred music and instruments to channel the mask spirit's energy for the benefit of the entire community. Packages are shipped Monday to Saturday with insurance and tracking number. Delivery in France within 1 to 3 days via Chronopost, 2 to 5 days across the European Union. Delivery to the rest of Europe and worldwide via Colissimo International. We speak english Mask african art Afrikanische Maskenkunst arte de máscaras africanas arte delle maschere africane statue african art Arte de estatuas africanas arte delle statue africane Afrikanische Maskenkunst Máscara de estatua de galería de arte africano

估價:$168.03

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