Female face mask "kpan"

Description

wood, with crossbar

“Kpan” masks are part of the “goli” masquerade, a day-long spectacle that normally involves the whole village. They are performed as part of funeral ceremonies for high-ranking and respected members of the community and should provide entertainment.

Four pairs of male / female, red / black painted masks appear in a strictly pre- defined order: disc-shaped “kple kple” masks, helmet masks in the shape of animals “goli glin”, masks with rams’ horns “kpan pre” and finally two masks with portrait-like faces and elaborate hairstyles “kpan”.

“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. The women receive the masks as beloved personages, fanning them with scarves and dancing joyously beside them.

Publications

AHDRC: 0153990