Kpan Mask, Baoulé People, Ivory Coast

Mask with a very delicate face topped with a very refined trilobed headdress and ending in a point at the back. The high and wide forehead symbolizes great intelligence and spiritual awakening. The eyebrows form two large arches meeting at the nasal bridge. They frame half-closed eyes symbolizing respect for oneself and others. The protruding mouth, open in a square, allowed the mask wearer to see and navigate during his performance. This oval face ends with a finely executed goatee and also of great elegance. The forehead, temples and cheeks are decorated with scarifications.
This mask is called Kpan and is the last to intervene in the Goli dance.
Baoulé people, Ivory Coast.
Rubber wood with a patina of use, black lacquer, cracks, local restoration.
H: 36 cm
First half of the 20th century
Provenance: - Ex Norbert Boutet collection
                     - Lombrail & Teucquam sale, La Varenne-Saint-Hilaire — April 28, 2023 (lot: 35).