A mask, called ‘kplekple’, representing the buffalo god Goli. Made of wood, with round mask face, dyed black and with two horns in the upper section. With remains of originally white colouring on the horns, ears and mouth. The significance of this mask type has its origin in the traditional religion of the Baule people: The demiurg Namye created the world, but does not care for its course any further. His two sons, the buffalo god Goli and the ape god Gbekre, as well as the earth goddess Assie influence the world’s destiny and the fate of mankind. The Baule people stage dances in honour of the buffalo god, in which four different mask pairs (male and female) make their appearance in succession in full body costumes. They are used on the occasion of visits or funerals of high ranking persons, of feasts, ceremonies or for the purpose of entertainment. The first mask type of this one-day long dance cycle is always a pair of ‘kplekple’ masks. The present ‘kplekple’ mask is black and hence a 'female' mask (‘male’: dyed red!). It displays a very good, old usage patina on the front side and on the back. With remains of 2 locally woven fastening strips on both sides and minor age damage (some pieces broken off on the back edge). H: 42.5 cm (in total), DM: 16 cm (face). First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Czech 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.