Ivory Coast ritual mask

The carved wooden mask is characterized by a high degree of stylization and symmetry, which are characteristic of the sculptural art of central Ivory Coast. The dominant element of the composition is two massive, symmetrically curved horns surrounding the head. In traditional Ivory Coast cultures, masks combining human features with wild animal horns represent powerful ritual mediators.

Ivory Coast, Africa, early 20th century, wood, h. 30 cm