Bidspirit auction | Goli Mask, Baule People, Ivory

Goli Mask, Baule People, Ivory Coast - Baule People, Ivory Coast: Goli Mask (Goli Glin), Mid 20th century. Carved wood, with stripes of black, white, and red paint animating the face. This mask is composed of a combination of human (the eyes and scarification) and animal attributes. The squared shout and curved horns resemble those of a Buffalo, while the sharp teeth and striated central face evoke other creatures, or the imagination of the carver. The total appearance is that of a ”bush spirit,” emphasizing that it has no counterpart on earth. The mask comes with a custom-made steel stand. The mask would be used in part of dance series known as Goli, and this mask as Goli Glin. It would have topped a full costume of woven green palm fronds, which would be made fresh for every performance. The incised holes on the lower rim of this mask were for costume attachment. A comparable mask is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and is shown on their website. Dimensions: 29H x 12.5 W x 11D; 46H on stand. (inches) Provenance: Private collection. NOTE: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot. Condition: Good condition with minor scuffs and other evidence of handling. Note: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.