Baoule Goli Kple-Kple mask
Goli Kple-Kple masks
African artistic expression
Rare mask from a private French collection. This mask, with its obvious qualities and original patina, will be sold with a top-of-the-range customised base.
These African masks are of great cultural and spiritual importance to the communities that use them.
Goli masks are associated with Goli celebrations, which are annual festivals organised by the Baule communities of Côte d'Ivoire. These festivals are opportunities to strengthen social ties, promote community harmony and honour ancestors. Goli masks generally represent ancestral spirits or mythical characters, and are worn by dancers during ceremonies. They are often characterised by stylised shapes and bright colours, and the black patina here indicates that it is a male mask; otherwise the patina would be red for a female mask. The circular face is always surmounted by horns, like those of a ram. These horns link it to Nyamye, the creator god.
The Kple-kple mask originated in the Guro region of Côte d'Ivoire. They are used for various ritual and festive occasions, including funerals, weddings and harvests. Kple-kple masks depict a wide variety of characters, including ancestors, protective spirits and mythological figures. The masks are characterised by stylised facial features, geometric patterns and contrasting colours. Dancers wearing Kple-kple masks use fast, rhythmic movements to communicate with the spirits and convey messages to members of the community.
Goli Kple-kple masks play an essential role in preserving the cultural and spiritual traditions of West Africa. They represent the artistic and symbolic heritage of these communities, passing on ancestral teachings and cultural values to future generations. What's more, these masks have also become prized pieces in the world of art and collecting, attracting the attention of art lovers and researchers interested in African cultural diversity.
02282
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 43 cm (60 cm with support)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Goli Kple-Kple masks
African artistic expression
Rare mask from a private French collection. This mask, with its obvious qualities and original patina, will be sold with a top-of-the-range customised base.
These African masks are of great cultural and spiritual importance to the communities that use them.
Goli masks are associated with Goli celebrations, which are annual festivals organised by the Baule communities of Côte d'Ivoire. These festivals are opportunities to strengthen social ties, promote community harmony and honour ancestors. Goli masks generally represent ancestral spirits or mythical characters, and are worn by dancers during ceremonies. They are often characterised by stylised shapes and bright colours, and the black patina here indicates that it is a male mask; otherwise the patina would be red for a female mask. The circular face is always surmounted by horns, like those of a ram. These horns link it to Nyamye, the creator god.
The Kple-kple mask originated in the Guro region of Côte d'Ivoire. They are used for various ritual and festive occasions, including funerals, weddings and harvests. Kple-kple masks depict a wide variety of characters, including ancestors, protective spirits and mythological figures. The masks are characterised by stylised facial features, geometric patterns and contrasting colours. Dancers wearing Kple-kple masks use fast, rhythmic movements to communicate with the spirits and convey messages to members of the community.
Goli Kple-kple masks play an essential role in preserving the cultural and spiritual traditions of West Africa. They represent the artistic and symbolic heritage of these communities, passing on ancestral teachings and cultural values to future generations. What's more, these masks have also become prized pieces in the world of art and collecting, attracting the attention of art lovers and researchers interested in African cultural diversity.