This mask type, called ‘Kpan’, belongs to the family of the ‘Goli masks’. Among the Baule, the ‘Goli’ appear in four different types in times of danger, illness and at funerals to ward off evil and exert a positive influence on supernatural forces.
The present ‘Kpan mask’ is made of medium-weight wood in perfect Baule style. With an extremely finely carved hairstyle consisting of three thick, rounded hair crests and a sweeping braid that stretches towards the back and is rejoined at the top of the main crest. The hairstyle is dyed black, whilst the serene and serious face of the mask is red. With typical tribal scarification marks on the forehead, on both temples and at the corners of the mouth. With high eyebrow arches, a typical, small, straight Baule nose, and painted eyes with large, black pupils evocatively gazing ahead. Two small slits for the masked dancer are located under the eyes. The lower half of this ‘Kpan mask’ displays an all-round, narrow, black and white serrated beard, whilst a ringed, black goatee with a large bulbous finial adorns the chin. The backside of entire mask face has a wide, unpainted frame to which the dancer’s costume was attached. The mask displays a very good, shiny usage patina in the right places on the back, as well as a ‘bite bar’ for the dancer.
Overall a masterfully crafted Baule piece, with only slight, insignificant age-related damage (colour scuffed and one small, old fracture to the left side of the serrated beard).
First half of the 20th century; H: c. 40 cm; W: c. 16 cm. (ME)

Provenance: German Private Collection.
Lit.: 'Baule. African Art - Western Eyes' by Susan M. Vogel, fig. p. 175, 184, 185, 187.