Origin - Baule, Côte D'ivoire

Use: Balance & Harmony

This twin-faced mask, known as Nda, is associated with the Baule people of Côte d’Ivoire, where masks play a central role in mediating between the visible and invisible worlds. The Nda mask, with its two opposing faces, symbolizes the coexistence of dual forces such as male and female, life and death, or joy and sorrow, reflecting the Baule belief in balance and harmony within society. Performed during rituals, festivals, and processions, the mask allowed dancers to embody spiritual beings who offered guidance and reinforced moral values. Through its mirrored features and refined carving, the Nda mask conveyed messages of unity and interdependence, reminding the community that social and spiritual equilibrium depends on embracing duality.