Mblo Portrait Mask

Gba Gba

Baule People

Côte d'Ivoire

Mid 20th Century

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

9.5” tall x 2.5” wide x 3.5” deep

Beautifully carved , Strong Profile.  Rich Earth Tones with Marks of Scarification and Traditional Coiffure.

Designed as part of a Baule theatrical tradition, known as "Mblo," that combines dramatic skits and solo dances, this mask is an idealized representation of the prominent member of the community for which it was sculpted. Its lustrous carved surfaces suggest healthy skin set off by a delicately textured coiffure and facial scarifications. Within Baule culture, Mblo portrait masks are appreciated as the most refined and long-standing form of artistic expression. 

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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. 

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

Please message me with any concerns or questions.