African Arts Gallery

Senoufo mask (N° 21990)

French African art collection.
In African art, the African masks of the Senufo are worn by male members of the Poro society, an institution that controls political and economic life. Growths of various shapes alternate around the face of this narrow mask. It is surmounted by an animal scene in the form of a stylized carved motif. Black patina, velvety.
"Kpélié" meaning "jumping mask", this African mask is also worn during initiations symbolically marking a death followed by a rebirth. Kept in the sacred enclosure called sezang in order to hide them from the gaze of the uninitiated, their function is to honor the elders or even appear at funerals. Anthropomorphic masks would primarily drive the spirit of the deceased away from its place of residence. Living in a reserved area, the Senufo sculptor, whose training spanned seven years, began by making everyday objects, then, little by little, sported increasingly large sculptures. Initiatory rituals completed his learning.