Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 305
Yahouré African mask, balance of spirits, Côte d’Ivoire, African art — Yahouré, Côte d’Ivoire — African tribal art — Ref. 305
Unavailable
Description
This Yahouré mask comes from Côte d’Ivoire and belongs to one of the most refined artistic traditions of the Yahouré people, an ethnic group related to the Baoulé. Used during ritual and funerary ceremonies, it served to establish a connection between the world of the living and that of protective spirits, particularly in dances intended to honour the ancestors and ensure social harmony.
The mask is distinguished by its two juxtaposed faces, perhaps symbolising the duality between the visible and invisible worlds, or the interaction between spiritual forces. The arched and finely carved horns are typical of Yahouré masks and evoke protective spirits, often associated with wisdom and mystical power. The geometric motifs and colour contrasts enrich the symbolic reading of the work.
Made of wood with decorative inlays and plant elements at the base, this mask is in good condition, with a visible patina testifying to its age and ritual use.
Technical details
- Availability
- Unavailable
- Type of piece
- Masque
- Category
- Masks
- Ethnic group
- Yahouré
- Country
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Materials
- wood, natural pigment, raffia
- Dimensions
- H 78 × W 11 × D 21 cm
- Weight
- 1,3 kg
- Estimated dating
- second half 20th c.
- Laboratory test
- Not tested
- Reference
- 305