Ndoma PORTRAIT MASK
Baoulé culture, Ivory Coast
First half of the 20th century
Wood and upholstery nails
Height: 32.5 cm; Width: 16 cm
(restorations)

This portrait mask, called Ndoma, is oval in shape, sculpted with a thin beard-ruff on the lower part, cut into short triangles. Its almond-shaped eyes are horizontally pierced and enhanced by crescent-shaped brow ridges that extend into a tapered nasal bridge. Its mouth is defined by two thin lips that overhang a short, cylindrical beard.
Her headdress rises in three curved horns entirely incised with geometric patterns – patterns also found on her forehead. The facial scarifications of the portrait mask are embellished with upholstery tacks.

These masks were uniquely individual. They were used in dances during the Gbagba ceremonies, also called Mblo. They embodied the moral qualities of the person portrayed. In fact, they bore that person's name.
When the portrait mask danced during these ceremonies, the person represented had to be present.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON