Senufo Kpelie Mask

Ivory Coast

Early 20th c

12 inches high x 6 inches wide

Ex: New Mexico collection

SOLD

Inv. # A3750

The Senufo Kpelie is an ancestor mask used in rites of the Poro society at initiations, funeral ceremonies and employed at harvest festivals.  This small, finely cut mask represents a human face with brows, half shut eyes, pinched nose, and open mouth exposing teeth.  It is blended with birdlike elements with flanking palettes for wings, lower triangular tail feathers, projecting legs and a top row of Kapok tree pods

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