Senufo Kpelie Mask

Carved from a single wood block, the face is defined by a broad, flat plane with rounded perimeter edges, structured by a projecting central ridge along the upper facial axis. Narrow slit apertures form the eyes, set within a surface articulated by horizontal bands and incised registers. A serrated perimeter defines the outer edge. Across the upper register, a horizontal band intersects the vertical axis, above which a sequence of shallow arched motifs runs beneath a projecting pointed element at the crown. Below, a cylindrical mouth element projects forward, carved with individually defined teeth. A standing figure, elongated in mass, is positioned beneath the mask face, with both hands brought together and held against the lower abdomen at the front of the body, weight borne through the legs to a base continuous with the figure. Two vertical struts extend from the mask body to the base, integrating the upper and lower registers.

Surface is compact and stable. Pigment is retained across the facial plane and figural support, with exposure at projecting elements.

Among the Senufo, masks of this type are used within Poro society ceremonies associated with initiation and funerary rites.

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ivory Coast, 1971.

Title

Senufo Kpelie Mask

Culture

Senufo

Origin

Ivory Coast

Date

20th century

Dimensions

H 113 cm (44.5 in) · W 29 cm (11.4 in)

Medium

Wood

Provenance

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ivory Coast, 1971.