Tribal art mask

This Goli African mask, originating from Ouan in the Béré region located in the central-north of Côte d'Ivoire, is a helmet mask in the shape of a buffalo head that is only worn on special occasions. It is also the father of Kplé-Kplé. Goli is a protective deity. With a beautiful auburn and smooth patina, the sculpture is very refined, the surfaces are polished, and the representation of the scarifications, hairstyle, and face is done in a careful and meticulous manner. The wearer of the Goli mask is an initiate immersed in a hypnotic sleep. His costume consists of a large cape, a skirt made of raffia fibres, bells on his feet, and he wears a leopard skin on his back. Circa 1960. Dimensions: overall length 41 cm, width 20 cm, depth 14 cm. Weight 830 g.