Such ‘kpelie’ or ‘kodal masks’ of the Senufo people are among the best-known mask types of Africa. They generally have a small, mask face with almost pointed, protruding forehead, slit eyes, a narrow, inwardly curving nose and a small, strongly protruding mouth, which is here rectangular with visible teeth.
The present ‘kpelie mask’ displays a lip plug in its lower lip, as well as the typical tribal decorative scars on both cheeks. The ‘kpelie masks’ of the Senufo people also feature two horns, side projections along both cheeks down to the pointed chin below, as well as a projection upwards (in different forms), on the top of the head of the mask. Here it is a finely carved female head, with a typical Senufo hairstyle with front braid. The two lowest projections, next to the chin, are commonly called ‘legs’. Yet they do not represent human legs, but rather parts of the important sacrificial animals of the Senufo people (castrated ram or chicken). ’Kpelie masks’ belong to the Poro men’s association of the Senufo people. Young men dance with them in full body costumes at burial rituals and other important ceremonies. The present ‘kpelie mask’ (also known as ‘kodal mask’) is a good example of this mask type: carved from light-coloured, hard wood and originally dyed blackish-brown. With a little, old damage due to use on the right side of the mask: the right horn formerly broken and restored (glued), one cheek projection and the right leg broken (old breaks). Six fastening eyelets on the rim of the mask at the back, broken through protracted use. Otherwise with good shiny patina on the front and back.
Height: 34 cm; width: 14.5 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Austrian private collection.

Lit.: ‘Die Kunst der Senufo’ by Hans-Joachim Koloß, Museum für Völkerkunde Berlin, ill. 28, 29; ‘Die Kunst des schwarzen Afrika’ by Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan, ill. 322, 323.