Female Mask

This mask is associated with Goli, a day—long masquerade performed for entertainment and for the funerals of prominent persons. The performance consists of four male—female pairs of masks appearing in sequence. The first two pairs signify the wildness and power of the bush, while the second two represent civilized humanity and ordered village life. The final pair, to which this mask belonged, was the most important and was known as kpan, the senior female. The mask's balanced, harmonious features and small mouth, combined with the dancer's graceful, rhythmic movements, express the dignity and majesty of a chiefly senior woman.