Baule Kple Kple masks vs Mossi Karan-Wemba

This week we were to compare items from two different cultures.  I chose to compare the Baule Kple Kple masks with the Karan-Wemba masks of the Mossi people. Though both of these items are ceremonial masks they represent very different things as well vary in their appearance.

This week we shifted our focus to the peoples of the Burkina Faso area, the Mossi people being the focal point of our discussions. The masks we talked about regarding this group of people featured carved superstructures that sit upon the base of the mask.
The image displayed features a female figure with enlarged breasts and buttocks as well as models the ideal hairstyle for Mossi women.
The figure stands upon the part of the mask to which the dancer would insert their face.

Returning to the Ivory Coast, the Baule people also present another interesting type of mask. The Kple Kple masks used in the Goli  celebrations are flat, disc shaped masks that feature animal horns. The dance is performed by the young men of the village and is accompanied with rafia grass to transform the entire body into a mask. The mask and dance performed is representative of the ignorance of young men.

When comparing the two to one another there are evident visual differences between the two. While the Mossi features a figural superstructure that sits on the main portion of the mask, the Baule's is much more simple in its overall design. The Karan-Wemba mask acts a way to honor older women of the village for their wisdom and experience while the Kple Kple masks of the Baule people draws attention the flaws of youth and the transition into adulthood.

I really enjoyed learning about the significances between these varying masks as well as being able to learn something by comparing them to one another.