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Item Description Add a dynamic and culturally significant piece of West African folk art to your collection with this striking handcrafted masquerade dance doll from Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). This figure is a beautiful representation of the famous Zaouli masquerade, a traditional dance originating from the Guro (and closely related Baule) people of central Ivory Coast. Known for its incredibly fast, rhythmic footwork and vibrant costumes, the Zaouli dance is perfectly captured in this doll's energetic pose with outstretched arms. The figure features a finely carved wooden portrait mask face, painted white with delicate red and yellow detailing characteristic of Guro/Baule artistry. Accurately mirroring the traditional Zaouli dancer's attire, the doll is dressed in a striped fabric top, patterned leggings, and a thick natural raffia skirt. It is further adorned with striking red yarn framing the face and tufts of natural animal hair on the headpiece, wrists, and ankles. The sculpture is securely mounted on a solid wooden base for easy display. Item Specifics Culture/Origin: Guro / Baule People, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), West Africa Type: Tribal Masquerade / Zaouli Dance Doll Figure Style: Folk Art / Ethnographic Display / Global Decor Mounting: Fixed to a solid wooden base Dimensions Height: 15 inches Width: 8 inches (armspan) Depth: 3 inches Materials Face & Base: Hand-carved and painted wood Clothing: Woven textiles (striped shirt, patterned pants) and thick natural raffia grass Accents: Animal hair/fiber (headdress, wrists, ankles) and dyed red yarn. Condition Good Pre-Owned/Vintage Condition. This item is handmade and shows expected signs of natural wear consistent with age and the organic materials used. There is some minor fraying to the fabric and natural shedding to the raffia and hair accents, which only adds to its authentic, rustic charm. The wooden base shows minor scuffing. Please carefully review all provided photos as they serve as a comprehensive part of the visual description.
