Yu Spirit Mask

Yohure / Baule Peoples

Côte d'Ivoire

West Africa

Collected by naturalist and philanthropist, Eli Weiss in the 1980’s.

14” tall x 9” wide x 6” deep

Beautifully carved likeness featuring an abstract Hornbill at Crest.

Good condition, wear commensurate with age.

The masks of the Yohure represent human faces often supplemented by animal attributes. They have an elongated face with a protruding mouth and pierced semi-circular eyes set under a high forehead. An elaborate plaited coiffure, surrounded by a serrated edge. The masks are considered emblems of yu spirits. By means of their dance, they restore the social equilibrium of the community and accompany the deceased into the ancestral realm. 

Yohure inhabit the central region of the Côte d’Ivoire, the territory between the White and Red Bandama Rivers, to the east of the city of Bouafle. The Yohure are geographically and linguistically situated between the Baule, an Akan language group to the east, and the Guro and Gban (Gagu), southern Mande-speaking peoples to the west. Depending upon their proximity to their neighbors, the inhabitants of Yohure villages are either entirely Baule or Mande speaking. Villages are generally associated with one clan. They are governed by a leader assisted by a council of elders who represent each family holding. Each family lineage traces his roots to a particular ancestor. Not only their language, but also the culture, religion and art are influenced by their powerful neighbors, the Baule and Guro. The Yohure possess a strong sense of identity and have evolved a refined art. 

Great Earth LLC

Carbondale, Colorado

Representing the Eli Weiss Collection of African Art.  

A lifetime of travel, passion, activism, philanthropy and genuine humanity lead to the accumulation of these wonderful objects spanning a great breadth of the African continent. 

A vast collection of Significant works of Art & ‘Of Culture’ craft works made to be Sold. 

I am proud to share this extraordinary group of Artworks. 

Please message me with any concerns or questions.

Steven is an Artist, Educator and Dealer with an excellent reputation and 25 years of professional experience.