Kple Kple Mask — Baoule Peoples, Côte d’Ivoire

Vintage Hand-Carved Wood Ceremonial Mask | 15 Inches

Add a true icon of West African art history to your collection. This hand-carved Kple Kple mask was created by the Baoule people of Côte d’Ivoire and belongs to one of Africa’s most celebrated masquerade traditions.

About the Mask

Kple Kple masks open the sacred Goli dance cycle, appearing first as playful, junior nature spirits. Their role is to entertain the community and ritually purify the village, clearing the way for the more powerful ancestral masks that follow.

Design Details

• Classic flat, disk-shaped face — a symbol of the sun and cosmic balance

• Curved buffalo horns crowning the top, representing strength and protection

• Hand-carved chevron patterning encircling the full perimeter

• Herringbone-textured brows framing raised, cylindrical eyes

• Deep matte-charcoal patina with natural age-related surface wear

Details

• Material: Hand-carved wood

• Height: 15 inches (38.1 cm)

• Origin: Côte d’Ivoire

• Condition: Vintage, genuine wear consistent with age and ceremonial use

• Provenance: Baoule people

A striking sculptural piece and a meaningful addition for collectors of African art, tribal masks, or museum-quality decor.

Shipping & Handling Particulars

Due to the age, size, and delicate nature of this 15-inch artifact’s mixed-media elements (including fragile organic fibers, leather, and horn attachments), this piece will be professionally packed. It is double-boxed and surrounded by custom cushioning to ensure absolute safety during transit. Full insurance and tracking are included with shipment.

Care & Preservation Guidelines

To preserve the beautiful, authentic vintage patina and structural integrity of this mid-century Kple Kple piece, please observe the following care instructions:

• Display Location: Keep the sculpture out of direct, intense sunlight to prevent the aged hardwood from fading or developing deeper stress fractures.
• Climate Control: Place the statue away from direct paths of heating vents, air conditioners, or humidifiers. Drastic shifts in humidity can dry out or distort vintage organic cords and leather attachments.
• Cleaning: Do not apply any chemical cleaners, liquid polishes, or water to the surface. To clean, simply use a soft, entirely dry microfiber cloth or a delicate brush to gently clear away dust from the wood crevices and mixed-media ornaments.