Kpan Mask, Baoule, Republic Of Côte d'Ivoire

Kpan masks are used in the Goli ceremony, which takes place during the funeral of a prominent figure or a special celebration. Known Kpan masks often bear a strong resemblance to one another; they likely come from the same or similar workshops. This one closely resembles the one at Sotheby’s => BAOULE
With its small braid and goatee, stylized features, and above all the absence of eye holes, the dancer looked through the hole in the mouth, which, according to Susan Vogel, the renowned expert on the Baoulé people, is a hallmark of ancient masks.
Height 37 cm, superb patina from use and age—a mask worthy of a museum! Custom-made base.

The glare in the photos is due to the powerful lighting used so that you can see the objects as clearly as possible; they are actually darker in reality.
From a very fine collection assembled by expatriates who lived in Africa in the 1950s and 1960s and later passed down through inheritance, and while this isn’t always the case, these cultured individuals took the time to carefully select their pieces on-site; they are all superb and antique, and I have several for sale.
Feel free to contact me for more information or to negotiate—it’s part of my job, and I’m happy to do it!