Senufo "Kpelihe" mask

Ivory Coast, 34 cm (1' 1")

The cultic life of the Senufo people is determined by the Poro cult. In this cult, this type of mask is used in dances at festivals and important ceremonies. This is a very early type: the upper part of the face is framed by two horns, and in the center is an upright, implied palm nut stalk. The forehead has three rows of scarified incisions, and the eyelids and the hatched patterns below them are partially dyed with indigo. On both sides are stylized ears with hinted earlobes, as well as the downward-pointing cones typical of this type, which can be interpreted either as chicken legs from sacrificial animals or symbolically as pointing to the earth - and thus as an expression of connection to it. There is a lip peg under the mouth. Original repairs to the mask show how important it was to the secret society.

Estimate: € 4000 - 6000