Mask

Mask from the Baulè people of Côte d'Ivoire. “Unlike more recent examples, painted with gaudy red and green pigments, this mask, of unquestionable age, has a luminous dove-grey color. The faded white and black outlining the radiant face, the finely shaped eyes, and the rectangular mouth are the same as those used for the large horns” (quoted from E. Bassani [ed.], Arte dell'Africa Nera, Florence–Milan, Skira, 2000). The work is part of the Bassani Collection (inv. AFR 00041 2513A).

Photo: Paolo Vandrasch, Milano; Giuliano Spagnul, Milano; Vivi Papi, Varese.

Courtesy MUDEC.