Anthropo-zoomorphic helmet mask, fire-eater,
Senoufo, Ivory Coast
Polychrome wood
L. 96 cm
Anthropo-zoomorphic mask, Senoufo, Ivory Coast
L. 37 4/5 in
Publication/Exhibition:
- David Adjaye's, Geo-Graphics, A map of art practices in Africa, past and present, Center for Fine Arts, Brussels, June-September 2010, p.110
The Sénoufo population occupies the northern region of Côte d'Ivoire and the south of Mali, and is the main ethnic component in which the Islamic religion has merged. This mix with Islam does not prevent the survival of an animist culture in which the society of masks retains an important place, particularly with these anthropo-zoomorphic masks. It is the institution of the Poro, the basis of community life, which initiates young people and accompanies them in their adult life.
During agricultural ceremonies or funeral rites, the spirits of the ancestors and the geniuses of nature have always governed the life of the population and manifested themselves through this very long and elegant helmet mask.
It finds its balance between the open mouth of the crocodile with its menacing teeth under a long thin nose and its long curved gazelle horns, which start from the top of the helmet. The appendix of the ears parallel to the horns, folded down, lengthened, gives life to the animal's run.
The importance and symbolism of this mask are reinforced by the presence of a bird and a chameleon at the top of the skull, two bird heads forming a helmet above the human eyes and the two tusks (of warthog?) at the base of the nose.
The mixture of this deep black patina on the top of the helmet and its natural black, red and white pigments gives this helmet-mask this extra life, giving it an exceptional aesthetic.
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