The Baule are one of the Akan peoples. They moved west to the
Ivory Coast more than 200 years ago and adpted masking traditions from their
neighbors, the Guro, Senufo and Yaure peoples. There are four basic types
used in a special dance of rejoicing called Goli, symbolizing the social
order, Kplekple, the junior male, Goli Glin, the senior male,
Kpan Pre, the junior female ans Kpan, the senior female. This
second type, a Goli Glin mask, representing the Senior male, is aqggressively
complex and three-dimensionall. It has a strong, older nature spirit and
takes the form of a bushcow, antelope and crocodile combination. They were
painted red, symbolizing blood, danger and aggression. Women and children
were not allowed to look at them closely.
We recommend Baule: African Art Western Eyes by Susan
M. Vogel (Yale). We have copies for sale at $40.
