Representations of hybrid beings, the zoomorphic African masks of the Senufo are worn by members of the Poro society, an institution that controls political and economic life. Their function is to honor the elders or to appear at funerals, hence their name, poniugo , "funeral head". Multiple zoomorphic elements are usually associated, crocodile mouth, antelope horns, warthog and ram. At the top of this mask is a stylized chameleon, an emblematic animal that preceded the creation of human beings and a symbol of knowledge, presenting a cup udddal intended to receive magical substances. Living in a reserved neighbourhood, the sculptor senufo , whose training spanned seven years, began with the making of everyday objects, and then, little by little, carried sculptures of increasing size. Initiatory rituals complemented his learning. The piece features decorative patterns in red and white lozenges.
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