The Baule are famous sculptors, perhaps best known for their ceremonial dance masks. These ritual dances are intended to bring the benevolent blessings of the spirits upon the world, assuring fertile crops and happiness. This magnificent mask depicts a human head with three birds perched upon it. Birds are often associated with the magical forces of nature, or act as messengers of the gods. One seems to be feeding the mouth of the human, or perhaps delivering a message. The mask takes on the surreal qualities of a dream. We feel ourselves transported into the realm of primal magic and ancient ceremony.
- (PF.2049)
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