Yaure mask

Yaure mask, Ivory Coast, of oval form on a broad rim with holes for attachment, the protruding face form with a typical ornamental band at the rim below the ears, on the forehead a three-parted ornament with incorporated round metal studs and above it two Kalao bird heads with neck attachment. Slanting almond-shaped eyes framed by arched eyebrows, a protruding beak-like mouth below a narrow nose; brown patina, signs of age, ritual use, cracks on the rear rim.

 

"Yaure masks symbolize the 'yu' or spirit power. (...) Yaure masks are worn predominantly on two occasions: the Je celebration and the Lo ceremony. The first purifies the village after a death and helps the deceased's soul on its way to its final resting place. Painted masks are mainly worn by dancers during this ceremony, while for the Lo ceremony, masks covered with black pigments appear. The function of each type of mask is not rigidly fixed, which leads to their appearance during either ceremony."

Lit.: Alain-Michel Boye/Patrick Girard/Marceau Rivière: Arts Premiers de Côte d´Ívoire, Sepia 1997, p. 83-84.

1.000 - 1.200,- Euro

Height: 28 cm

Weight: 1050 g (incl. stand)