BAULE - Ivory Coast

The Baule tribe is one of the largest groups in the Ivory Coast. The Baule tribe has distinct styles which are more naturalistic than masks used in spirit cults. Their religion was founded upon the idea of immortality of the soul.

There are three types of masks from the Baule tribe:

A helmet mask in the shape of a buffalo head.The Bonu Amuen helmet mask represents a buffalo's head with a flat horns, a T-shaped nose and a rectangular mouth with exposed teeth which imitate the fierce animal that is to defend the group. It can come painted with black, white and red pigments. Originally this mask was worn only by men. Presently it is used to protect villages from external threats and oblige women to a certain disclipine.

The mblo is the second. They are rounded with realistic human features. This mask has a rounded face with realistic features, a pointed chin, T-shaped nose, semi circle eyes, raised scarification which is typical of the Baule tribe. They are usually portraits of particular individuals. They do not seem to have sacred function and are worn only during festivities visited by important people. Fine scarifications and coiffures denote personal beauty, refinement and a want to give pleasure to others. This mask can have two faces which are side by side, which symbolize twins, which is a good omen for Africans and the marriage of the sun and the moon.

Goli festival masks. The Goli festivals are an all day affair that will involve the whole village and the appearance of three masks, palm wine and traditional music. They are held to celebrate new crops, the visits and funerals of important men. The three types of masks used during these festivals are: first, a round shape and represents a highly styled face beneath a pair of horns; second, a helmet mask which represents a buffalo head with antelope horns; the third is used for closing the festivities, and has an lengthened human face with a pair of backward-swept horns.