These ‘Kpelie’ or ‘Kodal masks’ are a ‘classical’ type of Senufo mask. For the most part they have a small, mask face with slit eyes, a narrow, inwardly curving nose and a small, round, closed and protruding mouth. They also have customary tribal scarification marks on the forehead, on both cheeks and next to the mouth. Additionally these ‘Kpelie masks’ have a crest above with horns on the side, projections alongside the cheeks on both sides and two ‘legs’ next to the chin. These are often interpreted as parts of the most important sacrificial animals of the Senufo people (wethers and chickens). The ‘Kpelie masks’ belong to the ‘Poro’ association of Senufo men and are worn by young dancers in full body costumes. They perform at funerals and other important ceremonies. The present ‘Senufo Kpelie mask’ is especially beautiful. It has all the correct formal details and has been carefully crafted. It has been carved from hard brown wood and dyed black on the front side. It is a stylistically perfect piece in good condition. It has only a few minor age damages: a small hole on the upper back rim of the mask, behind its right horn, some colour abrasion on the exposed areas as well as an earlier, restored breakage on the left lower ‘leg’ (glued). Overall it has a beautiful shiny patina on the front and back, on the inside (in the right places). Height: 32 cm; width: 15 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Kegel-Konietzko Collection, Hamburg; currently: German private collection.

Lit.:
'Die Kunst der Senufo' by Hans-Joachim Koloß, Museum für Völkerkunde, Berlin, ill. 28, 29.