A Baule Goli mask, Cote d'Ivoire. Certificate of origin and provenance.

"Karl-Ferdinand Schädler, a renowned scholar of African art, has extensively documented the Goli masks of the Baule people from Côte d'Ivoire. In his 1999 publication "Masken der Welt," he features a "goli-Maske, Baule" in Abb 59 on page 80, highlighting its cultural significance.
The Goli ceremony involves a series of masks, each with distinct forms and meanings. The Kplè-Kplè mask, for instance, is a disc-shaped mask representing a minor spirit. It is associated with junior male dancers who perform before the more prominent masks appear. This mask is characterized by its simple design, reflecting its lower status within the ceremony.
Schädler's work provides valuable insights into the artistry and cultural contexts of these masks, contributing significantly to the understanding and appreciation of African art traditions.

The Goli Baule mask "does not represent a single, identifiable animal. It is composed of elements from different animals and represents a 'bush spirit,' emphasizing that it has no counterpart on earth."

Source: The MET.

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Height: 37 cm without stand
Weight: 1,8 kg incl. stand