Mask Item Number: 1373/73 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A dark wood mask with an oval face. There are three grooved semi-circles around the top with two protrusions that round upward and point backward and outward. The semi-oval eyes are cut out with slits underneath, carved with eyebrows and a long thin nose, and a small oval mouth. The cheeks have an a quadrangle carved outward. The sides have an upside down L-shape carved outward with a set of three protruding grooves above and a vertical rectangle in the middle of the forehead. The rim of the mask is perpendicular to its edges and decorated with a triangular design carved out. Behind the rim is a wide frame. The mask is on a mount.
History Of Use
Kpan mask. The Baule believe that before their birth, they lived in the spirit world, ruled over by Gu. These masks are performed for amusement at Goli festivals, and serve to renew the relationship with Gu.
Item History
- Made in Cote d'Ivoire
- Owned by Helen Purkis before May 30, 1989
- Received from Helen Purkis (Donor) on May 30, 1989
What
Who
- Culture
- West African
- Previous Owner
- Helen Purkis
- Received from
- Helen Purkis (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Cote d'Ivoire
When
- Ownership Date
- before May 30, 1989
- Acquisition Date
- on May 30, 1989
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1373/0073