Mask "klpe kple"

Description

wood, rich reddish brown patina, kaolin, flat disc-shaped face with zig-zag rim in bas-relief, crowned by nearly circular horns, slightly dam., abrasion of paint, rep. (horn tip), breakage (left horn), cracks at the lower rim, metal base;
“goli” is a day-long spectacle that normally involves the whole village and includes the appearance of four pairs of masks, music played on special instruments, and, ideally the joyous comsumption of a great deal of palm wine. “Goli” can be performed both as an entertainment and for the funerals of important men. “Kple-kple”, the junior male masks, are the first pair to appear. They are usually worn by young boys performing a contained but rapid stamping dance. This mask is the simplest in form and is considered the least beautiful and the least prestigious. They are followed by the second pair of masks, “goli glen” (the senior male maks), the “kpan pre” mask pair and the final pair “kpan”, the senior female mask.

Littérature comparée