BAULÉ MASK, CÔTE D'IVOIRE |

Cornette de Saint-Cyr, Paris, 23 October 2000, n° 47

Very good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Some tiny scattered white accretions to the proper right side of the face. Minor marks, nicks and scratches throughout. A small hole to the rear of the headdress, on the left side. Beautiful nuanced dark brown patina with reddish tint to edges. The mask is very well preserved both on the face and to the rear
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Belonging to the adjusu cult (also known as gbagba or mblo depending on the region), "the ndoma ("double") portrait-mask is one of the most surprising creations of the Baulé. This type of mask, deliberately designed to evoke a person, is exceptional in Africa!" (Alain-Michel Boyer, 2008. p.69). In its expression, ornamentation and the accuracy of its lines, this mask is the remarkable testimony of a corpus considered to be one of the oldest forms of Baulé art. Sculpted in honour of a person whose name it bears (an important political character, dancer or beautiful young lady) the portrait-mask celebrates an ideal image "responding less to an attempt at individuation than to a transfiguring effort" (ibid). Considered by the artists themselves as "the height of Baulé sculpture", this mask embodies the fundamental Baule style.