Baule Mask
By Justen Noll
The Baule Masks were by the Baule tribe. Pretty basic, right? Not exactly. The Baules were a tribe that originated in the present day Ivory Coast/Ghana area in Africa. The tribe existed from 2000 bc to 1800 ad, but this mask featured on the right was from most likely the 18th century (1700's) style of mask. Also the mask to the left is most likely a replica of that similar style.
The mask doesn't look like it has many features, but in truth it actually does. One of the most obvious ones is that the mask's base is a circular design with a red tint to it. Another feature is that the eyes have 3D corneas and a vertically flipped rain-drop-shape surrounding each one. In addition to that the mouth is rectangular with a slit through it horizontally, but not reaching the edges. The last feature, probably the most unique, is the somewhat antlers/horns that go out and then back in to touch each other.
Now, who were the people that made the masks, how did they do it, and who wore it? Well, the people who made the masks were either farmers or blacksmiths depending on the region. The way they made it was that those people hand carve the mask out of wood with (most likely) a non-blunt tool/object. The people that would wear the masks would be the highest ranked individuals in the tribe to be not under spirit control during funerals, and/or agricultural honorary ceremonies.
The mask doesn't look like it has many features, but in truth it actually does. One of the most obvious ones is that the mask's base is a circular design with a red tint to it. Another feature is that the eyes have 3D corneas and a vertically flipped rain-drop-shape surrounding each one. In addition to that the mouth is rectangular with a slit through it horizontally, but not reaching the edges. The last feature, probably the most unique, is the somewhat antlers/horns that go out and then back in to touch each other.
Now, who were the people that made the masks, how did they do it, and who wore it? Well, the people who made the masks were either farmers or blacksmiths depending on the region. The way they made it was that those people hand carve the mask out of wood with (most likely) a non-blunt tool/object. The people that would wear the masks would be the highest ranked individuals in the tribe to be not under spirit control during funerals, and/or agricultural honorary ceremonies.
For taking time to read this here's some interesting facts about the Baule Tribe: In the 19th century they disappeared due to the Europeans seeking new land and finding slaves, in general the Europeans stole the mask idea for theater from African Tribes, and Baule people had mask making going until the early 19th century due to the European invaders.
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