Old, Vintage African Senufo 'Kpelie' Helmet Mask , Ivory Coast, West Africa

Description

Senufo Kpelie Helmet Mask
This Vintage, Aged and Antique Hand-Carved Wooden “Senufo Kpelie” helmet mask represents females but is worn by males. Senufo means a people of the interior or a region spanning the northern Ivory Coast, southeastern Mali and western Burkina Faso widely known for their wood carving and mask-making skills.
This Senufo mask known as a “Kpelie” features a delicate oval face with ear-like geometric projections at the sides with raised and incised scarification patterns breaking up its smooth, glossy surface. This mask is feminine and known as the “the Beautiful Lady” for its grace and beauty
It is worn by men to honor deceased Senufo elders.
The hand-carved wooden Senufo Kpelie mask has two uses.
First, it’s used in dances in the initiation ceremony into the Poro Society, a ‘secret men's religious society.’
Second, the carved wooden helmet mask worn over the whole face is used by members of the Poro society during Senufo funeral ceremonies to honor their deceased members as well as ward off evil spirits.
The six small holes around the mask help attach it to the face of the wearer.  The mask displays a very good, shiny patina in the right places on the back along with the faint trace of smoke lets you know that it was used in rituals or ceremonies.  This unique mask is a wonderful addition to any collection.
Overall a masterfully crafted
Senufo Kpelie helmet mask
with only slight, insignificant age-related damage such as wear and discoloration,
noticeable
chips on the lower part of both ears and goatee (discounted accordingly), but in
good
condition.
Features
:
Dimensions
:
·
20th-Century creation
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23 Inches Long
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For use as wall décor or rituals
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8 Inches Wide
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Features a rustic, bold finish
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6 Inches Deep
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Hand-crafted item
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1.6 lbs.
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Made in Ivory Coast