Masque heaume
presenting the emblematic figure of a savannah spirit with humanized animal features, it is surmounted by a stylized panther, on the lookout, sculpted in relief. Its large ears probably evoke the elephant, an animal associated with a concept of wisdom, strength and longevity. This is probably a "bonu amwin" type of mask. In the past, this mask was worn only by men going off to war; today it is used to protect villages against bad luck and poor harvests.
Wood, natural pigments, old patina and marks of use, some internal erosions of time.
Baule, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, first half of the 20th century
67 x 32,5
