27 - Portrait mask with a three-lobed headdress

Portrait mask with a three-lobed headdress Wood with a glossy brown patina; signs of wear on the interior. Baoulé, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire 29 x 16.5 cm Bears a partially legible label on the reverse, the transcription of which remains uncertain: “Sammlung Jörg Erdamm Eigentum Jsne.” This oval face is surmounted by a headdress with three finely striated lobes, outlined by a slightly raised band. The eyebrow arches are formed by two balanced curves, and the lowered eyelids give the face a gentle, introspective expression. Raised scarification marks dot the forehead and cheeks. The small, slightly parted mouth reveals a subtle set of teeth. The balance of the features, the care taken with the hairstyle, and the delicacy of the scarifications link this mask to the Ndoma portrait masks. Danced during mblo performances, these masks celebrated an ideal of beauty and paid homage to the qualities of a respected member of the community. General Bibliography: Susan Mullin Vogel, *Baoulé Art: The Visible and the Invisible*, Paris, Adam Biro, 1997. Alain-Michel Boyer, *Baule*, Milan, 5 Continents, 2008, pp. 68–71.