Augustin Coulibaly, Koulé from Dalekah (Korhogo), (?-2018)

With the attention and help of Prof. Juan Antonio Olañea from the University in Barcelona, Spain, we could identify the carver of this Kpelié mask in March 2026. It is made by Augustin Coulibaly from Dalekah next to Korhogo. Documentated Kpelié masks made by Augustin's show double faces, masks that were made to celebrate the birth of twins. Augustin's masks are imposant, it is recognizable that his masks are large in size. Beside the unusual size, there are more features that identify Augustin as the originator by comparing with other masks. The bottom legs are very long and curved elegant, He placed two Kpelié faces on each side and decorates the holding arms. He repeatately uses a zigzag caving technique to decorate the mask. The mouths are in a round shape, seperated in the middle imitating teeth by hatching thin lines. All of Augustin's masks are set in the same proportions, were the center top placed Tugubele figure is about 1/3 of the whole mask.

Also to mention on the Kpelié mask from the collection Prof. Juan Antonio Olañea is the textile style to cover the head of the dancer. In a very elaborated style fibers of many colors are lavishly knotted in the fixing holes at the side of the mask. When dancing, this has a dramatic effect.