This ‘Kpan Pre’ mask represents a young girl. It features, in most cases with two horns, in the dance cycle in honour of the buffalo god ‘Goli’. In central Ivory Coast, among the Baule people, the Goli dances are performed as part of the funeral ceremonies for important men. Four different mask types perform in subsequent pairs and dance for an entire day. The four types are: a round buffalo mask, ‘Kplekple’ (young and male), the head crest mask, ‘Goli Glen’ – a hybrid creature with horns and a large mouth (symbolising an old man), the ‘Kpan Pre’ mask (a young girl, like the present mask) and finally the ‘Kpan’ mask, representing an old woman. The present ‘Kpan Pre mask’ (young girl) is carved from heavy, light-coloured wood and dyed black on the front side (with some small leftover areas of subsequent red highlights). It displays characteristic horns on its head, with ears next to them. The human part of the mask face begins under the horns with a carved hairstyle that displays a delicate striped pattern in relief. Below this is a typical Baule face. It has accentuated eyebrow arches, gently protruding eyes, a long, straight nose and a somewhat protuberant, round, open mouth, in which teeth are hinted at.
Customary tribal scarification marks can be found on the forehead, between the brows, on both temples, on the cheeks and next to the mouth. Two small ears sit at the level of the eyes on the left and right (the ‘Kpan Pre masks’ always have four ears – two above, next to the horns, and two on the mask face itself). Beginning at the ears, a jagged ‘beard’ frames the lower face. This textured ‘beard’, however, does not represent a real beard, since these ‘Kpan Pre masks’ are female. This ‘frame beard’ is simply a popular decorative element among the Baule carvers, that is often used on their masks. It is striking that this mask has no eye slits for the masked dancer. These slits are usually under the eyes on Baule masks – it is only the ‘Kpan Pre masks’ that often do not have them. Instead the dancer usually looks through the mouth of the mask.
Overall it is a perfectly crafted, old piece that was often danced with. It only has some small damages due to age: a crack and break to the tip of the left horn (mended). Otherwise it shows only some light colour abrasion in exposed areas and along some edges. Also excellent shiny usage patina on front and back (inside). Height: c. 36 cm; width: 16 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Kegel-Konietzko Collection, Hamburg; currently: German private collection.

Lit.:
''Baule. African Art - Western Eyes' by Susan M. Vogel, ill. 175, 182.