When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Authentic Baule Goli ceremonial mask from Ivory Coast (West Africa), mid-20th century.
This is a traditional Goli (Glen/Goli Goli) mask carved and used by the Baule people for ceremonial dance performances honoring community, balance, and the cycle of life. The mask features the highly desirable double bird crest, a form associated with elevated ritual significance and far less common than standard Goli examples.
The face displays classic Baule aesthetics: an elongated oval form, calm half-closed eyes with red pigment, arched brows, and a softly modeled nose and mouth. The surface shows a rich, layered yellow-ochre patina with red, black, and blue accents, consistent with age, handling, and ritual use.
The reverse reveals original hand-drilled holes with braided fiber lacing, used to secure the mask during dance. Tool marks, wear patterns, and surface oxidation are all consistent with authentic mid-20th-century ceremonial pieces — not a modern decorative or tourist carving.
Details
• Origin: Ivory Coast, West Africa
• Culture: Baule
• Type: Goli ceremonial mask
• Period: Mid-20th century (circa 1940s–1960s)
• Materials: Hand-carved wood, natural pigments, original fiber
• Condition: Authentic age and ceremonial wear throughout; no modern repairs or repainting
This piece presents exceptionally well and is suitable for serious collectors, interior designers, or curated displays. Comparable examples are increasingly difficult to find, especially with intact crests and original fiber bindings.
Size 18x8x5
📌 Please review all photos carefully — they are part of the description.
📌 This is an authentic vintage artifact, not new or reproduction.
📌 From a clean, smoke-free environment.
