A Senufo ritual helmet, Côte d’Ivoire, Boundiali region. Among the Senufo people of northern Côte d’Ivoire, ritual helmet masks from the region of Boundiali present several identifiable regional stylistic features within the broader Senufo sculptural tradition. Carvings from the Boundiali area are generally recognized for compact and vertically structured compositions, often dominated by a central animal form—most frequently an antelope—carved with short, powerful legs and a relatively thick torso. The horns tend to be broad and strongly curved, sometimes rising steeply. Compared with examples from eastern Senufo regions, Boundiali helmets typically appear heavier and more architectonic in their volumes. Another regional characteristic is the integration of secondary animals along the back or crest of the primary figure. Small birds, chameleons, or crocodile-like forms or even human-like forms may occur. These additional motifs are usually stylized and flattened, emphasizing rhythm rather than anatomical realism. Surface treatment also reflects local practice. Masks from the Boundiali region often show deeply cut geometric incision patterns—including cross-hatching, parallel grooves, or triangular motifs—especially along the flanks and neck of the animal figure. The surfaces are typically covered with a dark brown to black patina, produced through repeated handling and ritual applications. Finally, the helmet base is usually broad and circular, designed to rest securely on the dancer’s head, with perforations or attachments for fiber costumes. The overall effect is a solid, structurally balanced sculpture, characteristic of carving traditions documented in the Boundiali zone of Senufo artistic production. CAB38229