Anthropomorphic face mask "kpan" of the "goli" group · Côte d'Ivoire, Baule · ID: 3046635
not available anymore
Provenance
Rolf Miehler, Munich, GermanyAdrian Schlag, Brussels, Belgium
Christie’s Paris, 15 June 2010, Lot 24
Size
H: 36 cm
H: 14.2 inch
Description
wood, pigments, insect caused damage, base
Baule “goli” performances consist of four red/ black, male/ female dance mask pairs appearing in a pre-defined order.
The two anthropomorphic masks with crested hairstyle are called “kpan” (“the senior woman”) and represent the wife of “goli glin” (“the senior man”), who already appeared as the second pair of masks.
“Kpan’s” performance is theatrically managed for greatest effect. When they arrive, it is nearly dusk, and women have been dancing and singing through the streets in anticipation, begging “kpan” to come.
Comparing literature
Vogel, Susan Mullin, Baule, African Art - Western Eyes, New York 1997, p. 187
Publications
AHDRC: 0138289