Accession Number2016/1.257
TitleMonkey Mask
Artist(s)BauléArtist NationalityBaule (culture)Object Creation Date20th centuryMedium & SupportwoodDimensions 11 in x 7 in x 3 in (27.94 cm x 17.78 cm x 7.62 cm)
Credit LineGift of Michael and Phyllis CourlanderSubject matterBaule masks typically represent animals, specific individuals, and social types. Masks depicting animals are traditionally only seen while the performer is in costume. This mask was potentially worn during the gba gba dance, a humourous performance that represents human, domestic, and bush animals through costume.
Sources:
Vogel, Susan, ed. For Spirits and Kings: African Art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman Collection. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1981.
Vogel, Susan. "Baule: African Art Western Eyes." African Arts 30, no. 4 (1997).
Vogel, Susan. Baule Art as the Expression of a World View. Ph.D. diss. New York University, 1977.
Physical DescriptionCarved mask with an elongated, protruding nose that extends to the bottom of the mask. The mouth is open with articulated teeth.
Primary Object Classification Sculpture Primary Object TypemaskCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
bush (wilderness)
men (male humans)
sacred objects
sacrifices
spirits (beings)