Lot No. 20


A Baule Kpan Mask from the 'Master of the Catfish Whiskers'


A Baule Kpan Mask from the 'Master of the Catfish Whiskers' - Tribal Art

Ivory Coast, around 1900, wood, 39 cm high. The six masks known from this hand are easily recognisable. They all have a long face, open mouth with defined teeth and three 'whiskers' on each side of the mouth. According to one of the myths, the catfish are the men, returned in animal form, protecting the village. They are a part of the Goli dance ceremony, usually performed during the funeral of high ranking and respected community members. This early 'Kpan Pre' mask is believed to be a depiction of the youngest member of the family and represents the fusion between the untamed animal world and the human world.

Provenance:
Robert Duperrier (1917-1996), Paris, France. 

Cf:
Example at Princeton University Art Museum inventory nr. y1993-146, see image

Specialist: Joris Visser Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34

Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com

13.10.2022 - 15:30

Estimate:
EUR 5,000.- to EUR 8,000.-
Starting bid:
EUR 3,500.-

A Baule Kpan Mask from the 'Master of the Catfish Whiskers'


Ivory Coast, around 1900, wood, 39 cm high. The six masks known from this hand are easily recognisable. They all have a long face, open mouth with defined teeth and three 'whiskers' on each side of the mouth. According to one of the myths, the catfish are the men, returned in animal form, protecting the village. They are a part of the Goli dance ceremony, usually performed during the funeral of high ranking and respected community members. This early 'Kpan Pre' mask is believed to be a depiction of the youngest member of the family and represents the fusion between the untamed animal world and the human world.

Provenance:
Robert Duperrier (1917-1996), Paris, France. 

Cf:
Example at Princeton University Art Museum inventory nr. y1993-146, see image

Specialist: Joris Visser Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34

Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com


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Auction: Tribal Art
Auction type: Online auction
Date: 13.10.2022 - 15:30
Location: Vienna | Palais Dorotheum
Exhibition: 06.10. - 13.10. 2022

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