Masque Goli Glen, Baulé, Côte d'Ivoire

Henrikus et Nina Simonis, Düsseldorf
Collection privée, Belgique

Very good condition overall. As visible in the catalogue illustration top of the horns are broken but very well patinated. The pigments are extremely well preserved. Wear consistent with age and ritual handling.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Deuxième intervenant au cours des danses associées au culte du goli, le masque Goli Glen a très tôt séduit l’œil des collectionneurs occidentaux, tels que Paul Guillaume, André Breton ou encore Pablo Picasso. Majestueux témoin de ce corpus classique des arts d’Afrique, ce masque s’impose par la puissance de ses formes stylisées, combinant les traits de l’antilope, du buffle et du crocodile. A la densité de ses volumes rehaussés par la très belle polychromie, répond la délicatesse de ses détails anatomiques – motifs linéaires du mufle, oreilles fines, cornes incisées.