Protected from European colonialism by a treacherous coastline, many ethnic groups migrated and settled in the fertile region often referred to as the "Jewel of West Africa". The current populace made up of over sixty ethnic tribes is a result of this eighteenth-century migration and the subsequent rise and fall of numerous tribal kingdoms. With almost a quarter of the present-day population represented by the descendants of the Asante kingdom, the Baule tribe played a central role in the history of the Côte d'Ivoire and despite French colonization, were able to maintain their traditional objects and beliefs longer than any West African people.

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Goli mask. The Baule or Baoulé People of Côte d'Ivoire

Very little is known about the origins of the Baule tribe. It is believed that the tribe name, Baule or Baoule, which means "the son is dead" stems from the legend of Queen Aba Pokou, who while leading her people to western frontier settlements sacrificed her son to the river Gods in order to escape the pursuing Ashanti troops. Immediately after the sacrifice, a large tree is said to have miraculously bent itself over the river serving as a bridge for the fleeing tribe before righting itself and preventing the pursuant troops from making the river crossing. The group then continued their migration westward displacing local populations and expanding the Baule territory into the north until the end of the 18th century. Over the next 100 years, smaller groups of Baule split off from the main settlement region and migrated southwards largely in response to new economic possibilities presented by expanded coastal trade and the discovery of gold deposits. These communities were governed by a village chief with all tribe members having an equal say in the overall agenda of the tribe. Unlike most African cultures, the Baule are a matriarchal society and believe women’s rights are sacred and for the most part, are given the same opportunities as men.

In the absence of critical historical studies on precolonial Baule history, the Queen Aba Pokou myth and the account of how they broke away from the Asante has been accepted as the official version of Baule origins.

Baule Art, Masks & Sculptures

While Westerners place a high value on the physical form and aesthetics of an object the same cannot be said for the Baule. Sophisticated and stylistically diverse, the Baule focuses on the spiritual presence associated with the object. Beliefs about the spirit world are deeply entrenched in traditional Baule culture, but in recent times, have been influenced by colonization. Although reliant on farming and fishing for their livelihood, the Baule are renowned for their superior artisans and have strong traditions and rituals based on their beliefs in the existence of spirits and an afterlife which reflect in their art. They believe the ancestral world controls and determines the fate of the living and messages are relayed through rituals, dances, and symbolic sculptures that attract the attention of the spirits.

Unlike the culture of many African tribes, the Sculptor’s profession is the result of a personal choice and is not inherited. An artist commissioned with the creation of the sculpture follows the details regarding physical appearance, posture, scarification marks, jewelry, and hairstyle, communicated to the Diviner through a dream. The level of artistry directly affects the Diviner's ability to attract the spirit and induce them to divulge the insights and assistance requested. Aside from masks, the Baule are well-known for their wooden sculpture, particularly the ritual figures representing nature spirits and spirit spouses. The artist's unique style and delicate sense of creation, have become synonymous with African tribal art.

Baule Mask Meaning and Characteristics 

Baule artists work in wood and brass to produce human and animal-like masks related to the afterlife. Divided into three groups, these masks never represent the ancestors, only the gods. They are recognized for their balanced proportions, smooth surfaces, and intricate inclusion of woven hair.

The buffalo mask protects the village from external threats while the double mask embodies the union of the sun and moon or twins, whose birth is recognized as a good omen. Refined human face masks, with high foreheads and large downward cast eyes, are chosen for their beauty and have no symbolism. Each mask is used during a specific dance performed by male members of the tribe and consists of a wooden facial effigy, raffia, fabric costume, and metallic anklets. Although a matriarchal society, the majority of masks are worn by male members of the tribe with women being forbidden to see or touch particular masks for fear of harm or death. When not in use, the masks are kept out of sight.

Performance

Baule Masks are worn during entertainment, spiritual, and ceremonial performances namely the Gba gba, Bonu Amuen, Mblo, and Goli, that may involve the entire village, music, and, consumption of palm wine. Ancestral spirits are called on through ritual dances performed by male members of the tribe adorned, from head to toe in elaborate costumes. The music that accompanies their movements dictates the rhythm of the dance and the dancer alternates very fast phases with arches and leaps, raising the dust and creating an entrancing effect. It is a unique experience to witness these dances, the speed of the movements together with the music transports the viewer into a surreal and hypnotic state that fascinates and beguiles.

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What are African masks?

To truly appreciate the cultural and symbolic value of the African Mask, one must first understand their significance and the history and culture of mystical Africa.

For thousands of years, masks played, and although no longer as commonly used, continue to play an integral role in the diverse culture of ethnic groups across the continent of Africa with each tribe having its own unique customs and practices of masking. Their inclusion in religious events, fertility rituals, initiations, celebrations, funerals, and burial ceremonies, prove that their usage has been prominent in Africa since the proverbial beginning of time. The oldest evidence can be found in cave paintings depicting animal heads used by Paleolithic man some 35,000 years ago

To the Westerners, their appearance may evoke joy, fear, or emotional excitement, but the traditional African Mask is more than just a simple cultural or theatrical accessory. It has a much deeper meaning and plays a very significant functional and spiritual role in African culture. They are designed according to tribal traditions and vary from modest to highly elaborate and are predominantly used during rituals and ceremonies to connect the human and spirit worlds and for the people who create and wear them, yield some notion of power.

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The Role of the African Tribal Artist

Using materials available in the region, talented tribal artisans sculpt masks depicting human or animal faces, but the sculptor is not to be considered an "artist". Since masks are believed to connect the human and spirit worlds, his function is more profound than that of a simple craftsman. As a spirit medium, he holds a respected position in the tribe and must have both spiritual insight and technical skills to fulfill the role. In some tribes, the artist lives separately from the rest of the tribe as a way of honoring them.

Artists usually come from a long lineage and spend several years receiving training from a master in the ancient masking techniques of the tribe. During the process, an intimate relationship develops between the sculptor and his creation and it is broadly believed that by connecting with the “spirit energy” within the material used to create their pieces, there is a transfer of the supernatural ability to the artist. Without the artist’s spiritual connection, a tribal mask would be just a decorative piece of art, devoid of any spiritual value.

The Function of an African Mask

Masks serve an important role in tribal rituals and ceremonies. As part of the ceremonial costume worn by a chosen or initiated dancer, they are used to control the quality of life either negatively or positively in the community. During an animated performance, the wearer reaches a deep trance enabling transformation into the deity or spirit depicted by the mask. Enhanced by drumming, dance, song, and prayer, a communication path is opened between the mask wearer and ancestral spirits. The complexity of a mask reflects the relative importance of the portrayed spirit so a simple mask will represent a minor spirit. Masks depicting animals symbolize virtue, bravery, or strength and are believed to ward off evil spirits from entering the village. A mask used for spiritual or initiation purposes is often only worn once before being destroyed.

But not all masks are used for communicating with the spirit world and masks may be used for storytelling and pure entertainment in dance performances for celebratory purposes and thanksgiving events such as harvesting, funerals, commemorative occasions, and victory celebrations. Among others, African masks are worn by traditional healers, rainmakers, and young boys during initiation ceremonies.

The Materials of an African Mask

The materials used in mask making vary widely in different cultures and regions while the general structure depends on its purpose and the way it is intended to be worn. The most commonly used materials are wood, stone, leather, metal, and fabric. Masks are painted using ochre or natural dyes extracted from seeds, leaves, and tree bark and embellished with ivory, horn, shell, feather, and straw. Animal hair is often used for mask hair or beards. The tools used for carving are believed to possess spiritual forces and inherit the skills and spiritual powers of the artist.

The Use of Pattern in African Masks

African tribal artists use geometrical and symmetrical patterns, color, and design on their masks to convey coded meanings and significance. Bold patterns, either painted or carved, are recognized as powerful and expressive elements. Scarification like marks or tattoos are frequently used on the planes of the mask to represent social status or religious powers and gender is distinguished by the different geometric patterns while checkerboard grids are not purely decorative but also represent the separation of knowledge and ignorance. Patterns also communicate the rules for correct moral behavior and the conduct of life in the village.

The Style of African Masks

African Face Masks are the most commonly used among African tribes, but there are others like helmet masks, forehead masks, headdress masks, shoulder, and crest masks. Tribal masks come in various shapes and sizes and can portray human or animal characteristics or a combination of both. Because African cultures distinguish between the outer appearance and inner essence, African masks are highly stylized and influenced by the religious beliefs and social practices of the tribe and the mystical inspiration of the carver. They show great diversity in shape, size, and overt expressiveness. Geometrical patterns, shapes, and forms denote nobility and virtue while a smooth surface is associated with youth and beauty and a coarse surface alludes to evil. The unique character of each mask is complemented by dance steps, music, and movements. 

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