Baule Male and Female Masks
The Baule people of the Ivory Coast in northern Africa influenced the design of this pair of masks. The Ashanti-Baule have a lost wax casting tradition of creating a commemorative ‘portrait’ of a slain chief or king. The ‘portrait’ was considered to be both commemorative and protective.
Although these kiln-formed masks are not portraits as such, they do hope to portray the spirit of the many who have gone before. Regal, strong and gentle in countenance their quietness speaks of dignity.
The painted and fused glass has highlights of penned and fired gold. The headdresses have been decorated by abrasive blasting of the gold on black glass. Each glass mask was formed over a face mask of bisque fired porcelain.