Yahouré mask — Yahouré, Côte d’Ivoire — African tribal art — Ref. 297

Description

This mask comes from the Yahouré people, an ethnic group of Côte d’Ivoire known for finely carved masks often associated with rites of passage and honorific ceremonies. It embodies refined aesthetics and a strong spiritual charge.
Yahouré masks are used in ritual contexts intended to establish communication between the world of the living and that of the ancestors. They appear during funerals or purification ceremonies and are renowned for their refinement and spiritual symbolism.
This one presents an elongated face with stylised features, with a rounded forehead adorned with a raised motif, perhaps a third eye symbolising spiritual clairvoyance. Its long facial structure ends in stylised fangs, evoking mystical force. The top is surmounted by a carved element representing a hairstyle or spiritual attribute, reinforcing its ritual importance.
Made of painted wood, this mask displays vivid colours alternating red, black and cream, accentuating its expressiveness. It is in good condition, although certain patinas and traces of wear suggest ritual handling.

Technical details

Availability

Unavailable

Type of piece

Masque

Category

Masks

Ethnic group

Yahouré

Country

Côte d’Ivoire

Materials

wood, natural pigment

Dimensions

H 54 × W 12 × D 22 cm

Weight

1,1 kg

Estimated dating

second half 20th c.

Laboratory test

Not tested

Reference

297