A Senufo Kpelie mask, Northern IvoryCoast collected in the region of Boundiali, incl. stand. The Kpelie mask is a Senufo mask from the Boundiali region in northern Côte d’Ivoire. It is usually carved from a single piece of wood with an elongated oval face, high forehead, narrow eyes, and a small, calm mouth. The mask often features geometric projections that may represent animals, such as the hornbill or ram, which are important in Senufo symbolism. The Kpelie mask represents ideals of feminine beauty and fertility, linked to the Senufo mother goddess Katielo. It is worn by men during rituals, especially in the Poro society, which oversees initiation and cultural education. The masks appear at funerals, post-funeral ceremonies, and other communal events to honor ancestors and guide spirits. This mask is considered one of the most recognizable forms of Senufo art, embodying harmony, balance, and the connection between humans and the spiritual world. CAB34935