Ivorian Baule Sun Mask bronze statues like this held significant

statues like this held significant cultural importance in Bete society

These baskets

representing protection

Each design is carefully hand-painted

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

Ivorian Baule Sun Mask bronze statues like this held significantBaule 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