Accession Number1971/2.31
TitleGuli Society Mask
Artist(s)BauléArtist NationalityBaule (culture)Object Creation Date1900-1971Medium & Supportwood with black and white pigmentDimensions 17 1/2 in x 8 11/16 in x 3 1/8 in (44.4 cm x 22 cm x 8 cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase assisted by the Friends of the Museum of ArtLabel copyLike the ape, the buffalo is one of several animals believed to personify the spirits of the savannah. the Guli Society uses this type of mask in paired dances. This black mask would have been worn by a young boy who was not as adept as his red-masked partner. Each masquerader would have been fully hidden by a raffia cape and skirt and by an animal skin hanging from the back of the mask. This mask, borrowed from the Dan people, is considered by the Baule to be the least beautiful of Guli masks.
Primary Object Classification Wood and Woodcarving Primary Object TypemaskCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
horn (animal material)
masks
masks (costume)
woodwork