Mask (Kple Kple or Kouassi Gbe)

Description

This kple kple mask belongs to the first of four pairs of masks that entertain as part of a performance sequence in the goli dance. The male in each pair dances first. The masks are worn by young boys in a rapid stamping dance. The masqueraders alternate with each other and watch their partners perform. The head of the male kple kple is painted red, whereas the female, like this example, is colored black.

Provenance

Metal Blast, Inc.; Katherine White Reswick

Mask (Kple Kple or Kouassi Gbe)

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late 1800s-early 1900s

Accession Number

1975.155

Medium

Wood, resin, and paint

Dimensions

Overall: 40.7 cm (16 in.)

Classification

Mask

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Katherine C. White