Baule Mask, Ivory Coast

The anonymity of an artist can arise from several historical and cultural factors. In certain eras or societies, artworks were often products of collective endeavors rather than individual creations, leading to a lack of attribution. Additionally, historical records, vital for identifying artists, may have been lost, damaged, or never created, particularly in periods where literacy and record-keeping were limited. Moreover, some artists may have deliberately chosen anonymity, eschewing personal fame to focus on the universal or communal message of their work. This anonymity can be a deliberate choice or a consequence of the socio-historical context in which the artist worked.