Kple Kple-maskers - Baule - Côte d'Ivoire
02
days
13
hours
40
minutes
58
seconds
Current bid
€ 53
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €53 | |
|---|---|---|
| €50 | |
 | €20 |
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Kple Kple-maskers from the Baule culture in Ivory Coast, a two-object late mid-20th century set (ca. 1960–1980), carved from solid wood with mineral/plant pigments, in good condition and provenance Privécollectie, dimensions approximately 51 cm by 31 cm for the black mask and 47 cm by 31 cm by 11 cm for the red/brown mask, sold without a stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
In the Baule culture, these iconic round masks traditionally form a pair within the Goli dance festival. The red/brown mask represents the female element (Kple Kple Bla), while the black mask symbolizes the male element (Kple Kple Yasua).
Dating & Style Analysis (ca. 1960–1980):
The masks are dated to the mid to latter half of the 20th century (circa 1960–1980).
This is supported by the following characteristics:
Traditional craftsmanship: Fully carved from a single solid piece of wood with authentic traces of hand tools (adze) on the back.
Natural pigments: Finished with matte mineral/plant-based pigments rather than modern glossy acrylic paint.
Actual patina/aging: The wood shows a beautiful, dry patina and natural shrinkage marks that indicate several decades of age.
Condition & State:
In very good vintage condition with a beautifully lived-in character. The red mask shows a repair (see index finger).
The wood is solid and healthy. Any slight cracks due to drying and paint loss on the edges are in line with the age and contribute to the authenticity of the pieces.
Specifications:
Culture: Baule
Origin: Ivory Coast, West Africa
Material: Solid wood and mineral/plant pigments
Period: Ca. 1960–1980 (Mid-Century / Vintage)
Dimensions (Black mask): Ca. 51 cm x 31 cm x 11 cm
Dimensions (Red/brown mask): Ca. 47 cm x 31 cm x 11 cm
Quantity: Complete set of 2 masks
An excellent opportunity for collectors of African art or lovers of a bold, ethnographic interior.
In the Baule culture, these iconic round masks traditionally form a pair within the Goli dance festival. The red/brown mask represents the female element (Kple Kple Bla), while the black mask symbolizes the male element (Kple Kple Yasua).
Dating & Style Analysis (ca. 1960–1980):
The masks are dated to the mid to latter half of the 20th century (circa 1960–1980).
This is supported by the following characteristics:
Traditional craftsmanship: Fully carved from a single solid piece of wood with authentic traces of hand tools (adze) on the back.
Natural pigments: Finished with matte mineral/plant-based pigments rather than modern glossy acrylic paint.
Actual patina/aging: The wood shows a beautiful, dry patina and natural shrinkage marks that indicate several decades of age.
Condition & State:
In very good vintage condition with a beautifully lived-in character. The red mask shows a repair (see index finger).
The wood is solid and healthy. Any slight cracks due to drying and paint loss on the edges are in line with the age and contribute to the authenticity of the pieces.
Specifications:
Culture: Baule
Origin: Ivory Coast, West Africa
Material: Solid wood and mineral/plant pigments
Period: Ca. 1960–1980 (Mid-Century / Vintage)
Dimensions (Black mask): Ca. 51 cm x 31 cm x 11 cm
Dimensions (Red/brown mask): Ca. 47 cm x 31 cm x 11 cm
Quantity: Complete set of 2 masks
An excellent opportunity for collectors of African art or lovers of a bold, ethnographic interior.
Details
Number of objects
2
Ethnic group/ culture
Baule
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Kple Kple-maskers
Height
51 cm
Width
31 cm
Provenance
Private collection
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