West Africa, Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire), Baule (Baoule) people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A miniature wooden mask in the form of a bush cow, featuring arched horns, relief eyes, and an anthropomorphic nose above the open mouth. Despite its small scale, the verso is hollowed out for the wearer's head. The bush cow (wild buffalo) holds deep spiritual and symbolic significance, associated with strength, virility, power, and untamed wilderness, often representing forces beyond human control. In masquerade performances, bush cow masks are worn during the Goli dance, a ritual performed at funerals, harvest celebrations, or times of crisis. This miniature bush cow mask likely serves as a portable spiritual symbol, a status or teaching object, and a way to preserve cultural traditions in smaller, practical forms for private rituals or personal use. Size: 1.75" L x 1.9" W x 5" H (4.4 cm x 4.8 cm x 12.7 cm); 9" H (22.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Thousand Oaks, California, USA collection
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#192406
Condition
Stable pressure fissures and old loss to right side of horn. Nice patina throughout.