Africa | Ivory Coast
Baule Mask
Ivory Coast
Goli Glen Mask
Baule
Ivory Coast
Carved wood and pigments
Early 20th century
Height: 65.5 cm – 25 ¾ in.
Provenance
Collection Frank Crowninshield, New York
Acquired before January 4, 1936,
presumably with the assistance of John D. Graham, New York
Collection Jacques Seligmann Gallery, New York,
acquired from the above by January 4, 1936
Collection Enrico Donati, New York
Acquired in the 1940s
Exhibition
Jacques Seligmann Gallery, New York, “Exhibition of Sculptures of Old African Civilizations”, January 4 – January 22, 1936
Brooklyn Museum, New York, “African Negro Art from the Collection of Frank Crowninshield”, March 20 – April 25, 1937
Goli Baule Mask 65.5 cm / Galerie Flak
Price on request
This spectacular mask is distinguished by its expressiveness and power of evocation. In terms of iconography, it combines the features of a bushcow, the horns of a gazelle / antelope and the snout of a crocodile. It is painted red, symbolizing blood, strength and power.
This Baule mask appeared during a ritual ceremony called Goli. Goli could be performed as an entertainment, for the funeral of important men, on the occasion of the new harvest or for the visit of dignitaries.
Goli was a day-long spectacle that normally involved the whole village and included the appearance of four pairs of masks including "Goli Glin", a male spirit, the father figure in the Goli family.
Though connected with supernatural forces, Goli played the role of the intermediaries between the world of the living and that of the spirits. They asked these spirits protection and assistance in case of external danger and war and during epidemics.
This highly stylized and dramatic mask is remarkably reminiscent of early cubist paintings of guitars by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, two great admirers of African art.
This Baule mask appeared during a ritual ceremony called Goli. Goli could be performed as an entertainment, for the funeral of important men, on the occasion of the new harvest or for the visit of dignitaries.
Goli was a day-long spectacle that normally involved the whole village and included the appearance of four pairs of masks including "Goli Glin", a male spirit, the father figure in the Goli family.
Though connected with supernatural forces, Goli played the role of the intermediaries between the world of the living and that of the spirits. They asked these spirits protection and assistance in case of external danger and war and during epidemics.
This highly stylized and dramatic mask is remarkably reminiscent of early cubist paintings of guitars by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, two great admirers of African art.
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