Kpan Mask of the Baule: What It Was For and Why It Matters

Baule | Côte d'Ivoire | Funerary / Goli Masquerade

What was it for?

The Kpan is the senior female face mask of the Baule Goli masquerade, and like all Goli masks it is danced by men. The Kpan pair closes the Goli cycle, coming after the kple kple, goli glen and kpan pre, and appears only at the most important performances, whether for entertainment or for the funerals of important men.

What does it look like?

A calm, composed human face with an elaborate coiffure, refined and dignified. The features are idealised rather than individualised, presenting an ideal rather than any specific person. The dancers carry fly whisks as signs of elderhood, so the whole figure reads as a mature and respected presence.

Why does it matter?

As the final mask of the Goli cycle, the Kpan brings the day to its climax. After the playful discs and the fierce animal helmets, the refined human face arrives as the most senior presence of all. Its appearance tells the audience that the most important part of the performance has come.

One thing most people never know

Although the Kpan is danced by men, women play a visible part in its performance. They greet the dancers by fanning them with scarves and dance alongside them, honouring the mask as it moves through the crowd. The senior female mask is welcomed by the women of the community in person.

Further reading: the source record for this entry.

This entry is part of the SEVICS Africa archive of 100 African masks. If you own a mask like this and want to know more about it, try our Mask Identifier.