BAULE MASK 16

Photographs © Tim Hamill

BAULE, "KPAN" MASK 16, 11", Ivory Coast $200

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 three basic types used in a special dance of rejoicing called Goli, symbolizing the social order. Most of these masks are Kpan, with elaborate coiffures and refined carving, and represent the Senior female in the ceremonies. Another mask, Kplekple, shown in the lower right, represents the junior male. It is round and flat and is among the most abstract of traditional African masks. A third type, a Goli Gulin, represents the Senior male.

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