Rings & Things - Wholesale Supplier of Jewelry-Making Findings and Beads for Professional Craftspeople
Wholesale Jewelry-Making Supplies for Professional Craftspeople
1 (800) 366-2156

Small Baoule Style Masks 22-591s (9-13)
Handcrafted on the Ivory Coast.

  • According to a legend, during the eighteenth century, the queen, Abla Poku, had to lead her people west to the shores of the Comoe, the land of Senufo. In order to cross the river, she sacrificed her own son. This sacrifice was the origin of the name Baoule, for baouli means “the child has died.”
  • They each have the traditional carved designs, scarifications, wildlife depictions, unique textures, and colors. African artisans often include the animal life, some of which symbolize royalty, that inhabit their region in their art, hence the birds, horns, and insects. All masks have holes for stringing and hanging. It is sometimes difficult to see in a picture, but keep in mind that many of the features of these masks, particularly the animal depictions, are 3-dimensional!
  • These masks aren't worn like many other masks. Most of these masks have a "collar" or "handles" (that often look like they could be ears). During various ceremonies the masks are "held up" to the forehead, or face.

    • Note: Depth measurement represents furthest distance mask would reach if secured to a surface/wall.
    #22-591-9
    Small Baoule Style Mask
    Handcrafted on the Ivory Coast.
    15.5" height
    6.5" @ widest
    5" depth
    $87.50/ea

    A traditional mask with a bowing bird, nice finish.
    #22-591-11  SOLD!
    Small Baoule Style Mask
    Handcrafted on the Ivory Coast.
    13" height
    8"@ widest
    4.5" depth
    $75.00/ea

    This is one of the more unique Baoule style masks we have. In fact, this is probably a Guro Style mask (close relative). Although both groups have shared the same region of Western Africa, the Guro have a stronger tendency to add animal features to human faces. This mask has a novel style "face," resembling a stylized heart, and two large birds standing bill to bill. Great colors!
    #22-591-12
    Small Baoule Style Mask
    Handcrafted on the Ivory Coast.
    15" height
    7" @ widest
    5" depth
    $75.00/ea

    Great mask with open mouth pointed downward, carved designs, and bowing bird.
    #22-591-13   SOLD!
    Small Baoule Style Mask
    Handcrafted on the Ivory Coast.
    15" height
    5" @ widest
    5" depth
    $75.00/ea

    The slim mask has a reddish/brownish color and a scorpion pincer that arcs from the back of the mask to the forehead. It's difficult to see, but the diamond design on the pincer is actually an open space. What you're seeing is the back part of the tail that arcs from front to back.

    | Previous Page |
    | Trade Bead Home
    Recommend this page     		|
    		| Next Page |
    Minimum order $25.00
    ($4 service charge on orders between $25 and $50);
    Normal shipping charges apply to all orders.
    Please note that no returns are accepted for purchases of closeout items.

    Questions? Please call us — Toll Free in Canada or the United States — at 1 (800) 366-2156, or e-mail us.


    | Home | Search |