Bid for a Ceremonial Mask - Dan Peoples, Cote d'Ivoire/Liberia Circa: Mid 20c. courtesy of Dafco Gallery.

The Baule are one of the largest ethnic groups in the Ivory Coast. They waged the largest war of resistance to French colonization of any West African people, and maintained their traditional objects and beliefs more so than most groups in Africa.

The Baule produced masks, sculptures, and other objects not only for ritualistic purposes, but also for aesthetic appreciation - to entertain, or to inform, or to ensure that crops grew in abundance. For entertainment, this mask was used for annual festivals; when the masqueraders would sing, dance, and drink palm wine to celebrate the occasion.

Ethnic Group: Baule

Country of Origin: Baule, Ivory Coast (now Cote d'Ivoire)

Material: Wood

Graciously donated by Dafco Gallery.