Mblo Mask
This mask is one of the oldest masks of the Baule peoples, made of wood, metal and paint.[1] These masks
are normally carved out and then painted to represent a particular individual.[1] The smooth curvy lines and surfaces represent healthy skin and cleanliness.[1] Along with those, scarification, hairstyles, and other decorations are added through texture to show the personal beauty of that certain individual.[1] The drawn-out eyes on this mask are symbolic of showing this masked spirit being existent in this world and the tall forehead shows intelligence, all of which are important characteristics to have in the Baule culture.[1]
The Mblo is danced in skits or by itself. It is meant be similar to an Opera, in the way it is performed.[1] The performances get brought up to date every couple of generations with different skits.[1] Normally, only gets performed on holidays, at festivals, and to important people within their society.[1] Overall these masks are important to entertain people within their society but is also used for other purposes as well.
1. Susan Vogel, African Art Western Eyes, (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1997), 141-145 & 205-213.
are normally carved out and then painted to represent a particular individual.[1] The smooth curvy lines and surfaces represent healthy skin and cleanliness.[1] Along with those, scarification, hairstyles, and other decorations are added through texture to show the personal beauty of that certain individual.[1] The drawn-out eyes on this mask are symbolic of showing this masked spirit being existent in this world and the tall forehead shows intelligence, all of which are important characteristics to have in the Baule culture.[1]
The Mblo is danced in skits or by itself. It is meant be similar to an Opera, in the way it is performed.[1] The performances get brought up to date every couple of generations with different skits.[1] Normally, only gets performed on holidays, at festivals, and to important people within their society.[1] Overall these masks are important to entertain people within their society but is also used for other purposes as well.
1. Susan Vogel, African Art Western Eyes, (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1997), 141-145 & 205-213.