Portrait mask (Mblo)
Baule peoples ( Côte d'Ivoire). Early 20th century C.E. Wood and pigment
The mask is exceptional for its nuanced individuality, highly refined details, powerful presence, and considerable age. It is especially appealing for its unusual depth that affords strong three-quarter views. The broad forehead and downcast eyes are classic features associated with intellect and respect in Baule aesthetics. The departure from a rigidly symmetrical representation suggests an individual physiognomy. The expression is one of intense introspection. Its serenity is subtly animated by two opposing formal elements: the flourishes of the coiffure and beard at the summit and base.
Complete Identification:
Portrait mask (Mblo)
Owie Kimou
Early 20th century C.E.
Wood and pigment
Baule Peoples
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Form:
Oblong face shape is black in color with triangular brown markings
Traces of orange and red paint remain near the lips, eyes, and nose
Nose is long and mouth is closed
Ears are rounded nubs on either side of the face
Ribbing goes down from the ears and across the jawline and chin
There are curved markings around the hairline, possibly representing hair
A crown-like addition is attached to the head
A rectangular shape has shapes poked into it; a cross-like set of curved triangles is centered with circles punched in on either side
There are six pieces coming off of the top of the rectangle
A bit over 14 inches in length
Function:
Part of a masquerade called a gbagba in the village of Kami in the early 1900s
Includes drummers, singers, dancers
The masks are concealed until a climactic moment when they are revealed (are worn on a face)
Watched by an audience
Masks kept out of sight when not in use
Not meant to be hung on a wall and appreciated simply for their physical appearance
Function and meaning can shift throughout time for the Baule
Has power to act with simply its presence–– communicate with ancestors and spirits
Meant to honor a respected member of Baule society
Content:
The mask is an idealized portrait of Moya Yanso
A women known in Kami for her beauty and incredible dancing ability
Mask displays her at her prime
High forehead and small mouth → convey intelligence and posture
Left eye is slightly higher than right eye → gives feeling of complexity
Tubular pieces above head → are just decorative (no symbolism)
The folds near the mouth → conveys age
The brass → would shine in the sunlight to represent health
Could be a slight representation of animals with the horns
The horns represent abstract hair, although the hair is usually not abstract –– represents Moya Yanso’s inner beauty
Context:
Baule People
About 400,000 people living in villages in Côte d’Ivoire
Known for wood sculptures and ceremonial masks
Have become most widespread ethnicity in the country (but are originally from Ghana)
Religion: divided into three worlds
Divine world, earth world, and spirit world
The Côte d’Ivoire is by the ocean
Baule people are majority farmers that live in family units
Baule society is matriarchal
A stool in each family represents the family lineage and ancestral spirits
A headman and a council of elders (who represent the lineage) handle the village’s affairs
This mask was carved in the village of Kami
The Baule recognize two types of entertainment masks–– Goli and Mblo
The carver and the subject of the mask are both known (unlike many Mblo masks)
Moya Yanso danced with this mask until she was no longer physically able to
These portrait mask rituals came to an end in the 1980s –– no longer carved to represent specific people
Cross Cultural:
Both the Mblo mask and the Kuba ndop are idealized portraits
Embody character traits → wisdom and reserve
But they have very different functions
Mblo mask is for performance → Kuba ndop is a decorative status symbol
Themes:
Display
History/memory
Performance
Identity
Power and authority
Abstraction and idealization → the human body
Portraiture
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Baule
Art History Textbook
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/africa-ap/a/mblo-baule
