Senufo
Côte d'IvoireDouble-faced Mask (Kpelie), 20th century
On view
Wood
Dimensions17 × 9 × 4 1/2 in. (43.2 × 22.9 × 11.4 cm)
Museum purchase with funds from the Collection Endowment, 2021.1
This type of mask, made by a member of the Senufu peoples, is called a kpelie and worn by men during initiation ceremonies, funerals, and harvest festivals. This mask likely was made for the mother of deceased twins. The figure on the top of these masks differs depending on the social status of the wearer. In this instance, it is that of an important ancestor and symbolizes the origin of the world. Other figures include animals or symbols. On the front, below the breasts, are two masks—their mouths indicative of the scarification rituals of the Senufo peoples. The legs protruding from the masks act as a connection between the spirit world and the earth. It also references the yellow-casked horn bill, a bird native to West Africa and thought to embody intellect and leadership by the Senufo peoples. Another zoomorphic element are the horns, meant to be like that of a ram, an important animal in sacrificial practices. Notice there are two other masks that have been carved into each side of the mask.
