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Portfolios%3D%2245%22%20and%20Disp_Maker_1%3D%22Senufo%22
Ceremonial/preformance artifact
Helmet Mask
Senufo
Senufo
Senufo
Primary
15 x 27 1/2 x 8 in. (38.1 x 69.85 x 20.32 cm)
wood with pigment
wood with pigment
Senufo People
n.d.
0
0
Mask, Ceremonial/performance artifact
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Ceremonial/preformance artifact
Polychrome ceremonial zoomorphic helmet mask in form of a dragon head with horns at the back and curved fangs on nose and eyebrows. Decorated with red and white dots over black background .
This mask comes from the Senufo people from the West African nation of Ivory Coast. Senufo is a term created by French colonists. The 2,500,000 people known as the Senufo actually consist of many different tribes, who speak many different languages, and who do not share the same beliefs or artistic values. It is difficult to know from which tribe this mask comes, but it was likely used in a secret society know as Poro in the central and southern Senufo, or Komo in the northern Senufo. Becoming a member of one of these societies requires initiation. Usually only men were allowed to be members and to witness the ceremonies, but there are special circumstances in which women can also become members. When a person wears a mask such as this one, he is thought to become the spirit in order to fight witches, protect the vilalge and helps solve people's problems. It is common for these masks to have buffalo horns and a mouth full of teeth, which emphasize the strange nature of the spirit. This mask does not represent a particular animal, but all dangerous wild animals in general. Red, orange, and yellow are common colors used for these masks. The cup on the top of the mask is possibly used to hold special magical concoctions. -- Ana Bisaillon '12
2011.24.1
item
Bates College
10/17/2017
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