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Face Pendant

Baule artist Baoulé
19th–mid-20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 341
The human face seems to have been the favorite subject of Baule goldsmiths and their patrons Though gold ornaments might sometimes be worn as neck pendants or attached to swords, their most important role was a largely invisible one--as part of a sacred family treasure. These treasures were not to be disposed of, for they were a symbol of family unity stretching back across the generations; very rarely, they were displayed at certain funerals and weddings to honor non-family members

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Face Pendant
  • Artist: Baule artist
  • Date: 19th–mid-20th century
  • Geography: Côte d'Ivoire, central Côte d'Ivoire
  • Culture: Baule peoples
  • Medium: Gold
  • Dimensions: H. 2 1/2 x W. 1 3/4 x D. 3/4 in. (6.4 x 4.5 x 1.9 cm)
  • Classification: Metal-Ornaments
  • Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
  • Object Number: 1979.206.100
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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Bell Mallet (Lawre waka), Baule artist Baoulé, Wood, rubber, string, Baulé people
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Moon face mask from a mblo performance, Baule artist Baoulé, Wood, Baule peoples
Moon face mask from a mblo performance
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Portrait face mask from Gbagba, a mblo performance, Baule artist Baoulé, Wood, Baule peoples
Portrait face mask from Gbagba, a mblo performance
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Bell Mallet (Lawle), Baule artist Baoulé, Wood, Baulé people
Bell Mallet (Lawle)
Baule artist
mid-20th century
Lawle (gong tapper) with equestrian figure, Baule artist Baoulé, Wood, cotton, Baule peoples
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