Helmet Mask (Goli Glin)
The Goli genre of theatrical masquerade was adopted by Baule communities from their Wan neighbors in the first decade of the twentieth century. Accompanied by lyrics sung in the original Wan, it may be performed during the funerals of important men or as a form of pure entertainment. Goli Glin is the senior male protagonist among a suite of four male-female mask pairs. Its weighty, horizontally oriented headdress combines the head of a bush cow with the horns of a gazelle, and its costume ensemble consists of a fresh green palm-frond cape and skirt. Goli Glin dancers execute the most difficult choreography in the Goli repertoire, defined by its speedy tempo and vigorous stamping movements punctuated by the cracking of a whip.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
