Senufo Wooden Kpeliyee Mask, 20th Century CE
Wood
11 x 23.25
PF.4021
Further images
The masks of Africa can take on a variety of shapes and forms which includes the general way that they are presented to a larger population. Most masks are created...
The masks of Africa can take on a variety of shapes and forms which includes the general way that they are presented to a larger population. Most masks are created to be a part of a ceremonial ritual that will encompass the entire society. The masks are usually representational of either animals or deities in whose honor the ceremony is dedicated. The tradition involved is great, as is the tradition involved in making the mask itself. The antlers on top of the mask demonstrate the importance that animals had in the livelihood of the tribes. The curvilinear nose and protruding mouth add uniqueness to the piece and evoke a kind of spirituality only found in an African mask such as this.