Baule Goli Moon Mask (Kpan Pre)

This is a hand-carved polychrome wooden mask, identified as a 'Kpan Pre' or moon mask from the Baule people of Côte d'Ivoire. The piece is characterized by a circular face representing the sun or moon, topped with a pair of curved, dark-stained horns that suggest a goat or antelope. The central face is finished in a weathered reddish-brown earth pigment, framed by a serrated circular border with alternating white and dark triangular sections. Two prominent, protruding cylindrical eyes are situated in the upper half of the face, with small drilled holes for the wearer to see. Below the circular face is a long rectangular beard or bib element, decorated with a vertical row of carved arrow-like geometric incisions. The overall construction appears to be from a single block of medium-density wood. Visible condition includes significant surface patina, pigment loss on the protruding eyes and horns, and several small chips along the edges of the lower rectangular portion. The style suggests it was likely produced in the mid-to-late 20th century, potentially as a decorative object reflecting traditional Goli dance mask iconography. The craftsmanship shows deliberate adze marks on the horns and a rustic, hand-finished quality consistent with West African woodcarving traditions.

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