BAOULÉ - Republic of Ivory Coast. - Lot 13

BAOULÉ - Republic of Ivory Coast. Bo Num Amuin mask with two horns Carved with a head featuring a domed forehead, raised eyes, a cubist nose and a plateau-shaped mouth pointing towards the ground. On either side, two animal figures are carved in relief. Hardwood, old crusty patina, internal signs of use. Height Height : 77 cm. Height with base: 95 cm. Provenance: former Galerie d'Art Africain, Paris, 1984-1994. Bo Num Amuin masks, also known as "gods of men", embody powerful spiritual forces linked to protection and social order. Symbols of power and authority, they are traditionally used in ceremonies marking village cohesion and the relationship between men and nature spirits. Kept in forest sanctuaries, they are considered intermediaries between the visible and invisible worlds, guaranteeing balance and harmony in Baule society.