A mask, called 'kplekple', representing the buffalo god Goli (for a more detailed explanation see cat. no. 41). Made of wood, with round mask face, dyed red. Hence the present mask represents the ‘male type’ of the mask pair in the Goli dances (‘female’: dyed black). In the upper section: two black, fluted antelope horns, with minor remains of white colouring, as well as two small, red 'ears'. The round mask has a jagged border in relief all-around, the outline of the protruding eyes and the open mouth with teeth are white. Overall a good, old example of this mask type of the Baule people, with very good usage patina on the front and on the back. With 'bite bar' on the back and an old, original bast hanging. First half of the 20th century. H: 42.5 cm (mask only). (ME)

Provenance: French private collection.

Literature: 'Baule. African Art - Western Eyes' by Susan M. Vogel, ill. p. 169, 170, 173, 174; 'Die Kunst des schwarzen Afrika' by Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan, ill. 66, 392; et al.

Additional photo:
A ‘Kplekple’ mask of the Baule people of the Ivory Coast.
Dances in honour of ‘Goli’, the buffalo god.
Photo from ‘Afrika’ by Michel Leiris & Jaquline Delange