Baule Tribe Crocodile Mask - Baule

Dimensions: L:26in W:11.4in D:5.9in

Baule Tribe Crocodile Mask – Baule wooden animal statues often depict animals such as elephants, monkeys, birds, and various other creatures found in the local environment. These statues are hand-carved from a variety of woods. The choice of wood depends on availability and the desired aesthetic qualities. The Baule artisans skillfully carve the wood to create realistic or stylized representations of the animals. The statues may feature intricate details such as facial expressions and other characteristic features of the animal being depicted. These animal statues serve different purposes within Baule culture. Some are created as objects of veneration and are used in religious and ceremonial contexts. They may be associated with ancestor worship or used in rituals to communicate with spiritual beings.

About the Tribe

Baule or Baoule people are found in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) between the Comoé and Bandama rivers. The Baule belong to the Akan peoples and one of the largest groups in Côte d'Ivoire who historically migrated from Ghana. They played a central role in twentieth-century history of the country. They waged the longest war of resistance to French colonization of any West African people, and maintained their traditional objects and beliefs longer than many groups in such constant contact with European administrators, traders, and missionaries.