Consistent stylization and symmetry mark the masks worn in several areas in Cote d’Ivoire. They appear as spirit powers known by the name yu, and arrive with the extra insight that comes from their mixed identity. A streamlined bird sits on top of this refined face. A pert round mouth, scalloped hairline and rickrack beard all attest to the way geometry can be used to define facial features. While there are several Guro and Baule masks in the collection, this is of a type that is not represented.
Wood
25 x 9 1/2 x 7in. (63.5 x 24.1 x 17.8cm)
Gift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
2006.95
Provenance: Gaston de Havenon, New York, Sol and Jo Levitt DeHavenon; Oliver and Pamela Cobb; SAM
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Not currently on view
Resources
Published ReferencesIllustrated in Arts d'Afrique Noire, 59, 38 (1986)
Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.
