Outstanding Old Senufo Kpelie Mask – Ivory Coast

Wood cm. 31,0 high x cm. 13,7 width (12.20″ x 5.39″). Cm. 40,0 (15.75″) on the stand (included).

Senoufo kpelié mask with elongated face and bulging forehead on top of which a female figure is sitting between horns, the mask rim pierced with small round fixing holes, the projections symmetrically arranged on both sides and decorated with line ornaments, the mouth a small protruding square block with geometrical ornament, thin-walled with shimmering middle brown patina.

Kpelie masks are usually oval in shape with arched crescent shaped eyebrows over narrow slit eyes. The small mouth opens below a slender nose. Scarification marks add to presentation of what is considered beautiful to the Senufo. On either side of the temples are semicircular and rectangular shapes that represent the stylized coiffure worn by Senufo mothers; the center shapes at the side representing ears. There are often two appendages on either side of the chin, “legs” that connect the spirit to the earth.

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