Dance mask - Côte d’Ivoire

Members of Poro, a Senufo initiation association, wore such small, beautifully carved masks as insignia. The term kpeliye'e, or 'face of the jumping performer,' refers to the dynamic performances audiences have continued to associate with the mask. These masks honored deceased Senufo elders and differ in their delicate style from the often frightening Senufo helmet masks also commonly used in the region.

The present mask, with its gently curved horns on top of the head and carved panels on each side of the face, demonstrates the delicate form and ornamentation of kpeliye'e masks. The forehead features geometric incisions: a rectangular motif towards the top and two lunar forms near each temple. The eyebrows mirror these semi-circular motifs, framing the slit eyes: from which a long, thin nose extends. Incisions appear on either side of the nose and mouth.

Provenance

Raquel Montagut Gallery, Barcelona
Argiles Collection, Barcelona