The Mblo Portrait Mask
The mask shown is an attribute to the Baule people of the Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in West Africa. The work taught in the course content that is similar to the piece shown and is from the same specific culture is the Mblo portrait mask. Made in 1900 CE with wood, metal and pigment. The portrait mask from the course content is of Moya Yanso carved by Owie Kimoh.
Mblo is a public performance dance, a tribute to the communities’ most important individual. Masks were designed for these occasions. Mblo masks were worn and danced in during these events of civic importance and were part of secular entertainment. The masks were used by the men related to the person the masked honored such as a husband or son. For example, the mask of Moya was
Mblo is a public performance dance, a tribute to the communities’ most important individual. Masks were designed for these occasions. Mblo masks were worn and danced in during these events of civic importance and were part of secular entertainment. The masks were used by the men related to the person the masked honored such as a husband or son. For example, the mask of Moya was