Ivorian Baule Sun Mask bronze The wooden base of the

The wooden base of the shield is skillfully carved

this Senufo bench represents more than just furniture

Each design is carefully hand-painted

a common theme in Gouro masks that often blend realistic and imaginative elements

arranged in meticulous patterns

Ivorian Baule Sun Mask bronze The wooden base of theBaule Sun Mask from Ivory Coast The Baule people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Cote dIvoire (Ivory Coast). They belong to the Akan peoples who inhabited Ghana centuries ago. According to a legend, in the eighteenth century, the queen mother, Abla Pokou had to lead her people west to the shores of Comoe, the land of Senufo. To cross the river she sacrificed her son. This sacrifice originated the name Baule, for Baouli means the child has