Baule, Côte d'Ivoire
1940 or earlier
Wood
Height 14¾ in. (37.5 cm); Width 8 in. (20.3 cm)
Provenance: Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, California, before 1960
The Mblo portrait mask tradition is associated with theatrical performance, dance, and public recognition within Baule society, where masks of this type honored admired individuals through an idealized rendering of human beauty rather than representing a generalized spirit. The rounded face, lowered eyes, raised facial scarification, and carefully arranged coiffure reflect the controlled formal balance valued in Baule carving. The carved surface carries visible wear and a deep patina consistent with age and use prior to its documented collection history.
The piece was in the collection of Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, before 1960, a provenance that places it within the pre-1960 collecting period now recognized as significant for establishing early Western ownership of African works. The McCormick Fearing collection represents one of the more serious American private engagements with African material during the mid-twentieth century. Baule Mblo masks with documented pre-1960 American provenance of this caliber are seldom available on the market.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Baule, Côte d'Ivoire
1940 or earlier
Wood
Height 14¾ in. (37.5 cm); Width 8 in. (20.3 cm)
Provenance: Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, California, before 1960
The Mblo portrait mask tradition is associated with theatrical performance, dance, and public recognition within Baule society, where masks of this type honored admired individuals through an idealized rendering of human beauty rather than representing a generalized spirit. The rounded face, lowered eyes, raised facial scarification, and carefully arranged coiffure reflect the controlled formal balance valued in Baule carving. The carved surface carries visible wear and a deep patina consistent with age and use prior to its documented collection history.
The piece was in the collection of Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, before 1960, a provenance that places it within the pre-1960 collecting period now recognized as significant for establishing early Western ownership of African works. The McCormick Fearing collection represents one of the more serious American private engagements with African material during the mid-twentieth century. Baule Mblo masks with documented pre-1960 American provenance of this caliber are seldom available on the market.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
