This mask, carved in the Ivory Coast around 1930, exemplifies the distinct West African tradition of abstracted facial forms and expressive reduction. The elongated face, narrow slit eyes, and sharply projecting nose create a strikingly sculptural silhouette, enhanced by the rich patina and deep surface wear accumulated through time. The interior reveals clear signs of hand-carving, with visible tool marks and perforations along the perimeter, characteristic of masks that were once fitted with textile, fiber, or raffia attachments.

Masks of this type were used within ritual, ceremonial, or performative contexts, often intended to embody ancestral spirits, serve as intermediaries between the community and the spiritual world, or appear during festivals marking social or seasonal transitions. The strong geometric stylization and impressive age-related surface attest to its authenticity and traditional use.

Today, the mask stands as an evocative example of early 20th-century West African carving, valued both for its cultural significance and its powerful sculptural presence.

Provenance:

Private Collection