Common
features of the Kplekple disc shaped facemasks include antelope shaped
horns, round eyes, rectangular shaped mouth and the geometric designs.
The red face is considered female and the dark/black face is
considered male. The Goli masquerading tradition is performed during
funerals and or during times of danger. The mask wearer mediates with
supernatural forces during the ritual, which have a positive influence
on the village people.
The
Kplekple is considered the lowest of Goli masquerades and these
rituals appears 3 times during the day. (Dawn, afternoon and after
sunset. The dance announcers the arrival of Goli Glin a zoomorphic
figure or of kpwan, an anthropomorphic one.
The
Baule tribe adopted this
ritual from the neighboring Wan tribe, even the language of the Wan is
still use during the ritual. The young mask wearers are often draped
in goatskin that covers their back along with a raffia skirt. The mask
is attached to the costume with vegetable fibers.
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