Senufo Figural African Helmet Mask 19″ – Ivory Coast

Additional Information

Senufo Masks

“Senufo people use different kinds of mask depending upon the occasion. Face masks, known as Kpeliyee, are worn during Poro society ceremonies. They display a typical heart-shaped face surrounded by ‘wings’. Among the helmet masks is a Janus buffalo mask worn during funeral ceremonies and at times of crisis. Their principal purpose is to destroy malevolent spirits – their power comes from a small cup located at the top of the helmet-head which holds magical substances; sometimes their mouths issue sparks conferring on them the name, ‘firespitter’. Another type of helmet mask used during Poro initiation ceremonies displays the head of a buffalo topped with a pair of antler horns. The Senufo have also produced three types of headdress. One is a small wooden cap which supports a female figure and is worn during celebrations to honour the most productive village farmer. A second type of wooden cap is worn by healers and issues a pair of animal horns. Lastly, a headdress supporting vertical, open-worked panel is worn during Poro society initiations.”