Kpelie Mask
Ivory coast, Senufo, early 20th century
wood – height: 42cm
Senufo sculpture is amongst the finest and most elaborate artistic styles in the African continent. Kpelie masks portray oval feminine stylized faces, although usually worn by men, and are symbolic in nature honouring Senufo ancestors. This kpelie mask is a particularly fine example, showcasing geometric motifs flanking the face and intricate incised and raised sacrificed patterns on its forehead and at the sides of the nose, contrasting with the smooth glossy surface. Two pegs, which can be interpreted as legs, horns or locks of hair, protrude from the lower cheeks. The use of hard wood characterised by a natural deep-brown patina and small holes punctured along the ridges of the mask are typical Senufo features. Kpelie masks were carved in a ritual setting and evoke a mystical energy, which is noticeably present in this example.
Throughout the twentieth century Senufo members wore finely carved kpelie masks on several occasions, including in rites at initiation ceremonies, at burial rites, and harvest festivals.[1] In addition, the heraldic bird sitting on top of the mask can be interpreted as a cultural emblem of the Senufo people.[2]
This mask emanates sensitivity, intensity, and elegance - typical for high quality Senufo objects. The slender and finely carved details combined with the schematic facial features generate a pure emotion making this mask an extraordinary work of art.
PROVENANCE
Collection Emil Storrer, Switzerland
Collection Mariette Henau, Belgium
AHDRC.EU INVENTORY NUMBER
0054842-001
RELATED LITERATURE
Donahue, Benedict. The Cultural Arts of Africa. Maryland: University Press of America, 1979.
Gagliardi, Susan Elizabeth. Senufo Unbound: Dynamics of Art and Identity in West Africa. Cleveland: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2014.
Goldwater, Robert. Senufo: sculpture from West Africa. New York: New York Graphic Society, 1964.
Hahner-Herzog, Iris and Maria Kecskesi and Laslo Vajda. African Masks from the Barbier-Mueller Collection, Geneva. Munich/New York: Prestel, 1998.
[1] Robert Goldwater, Senufo: sculpture from West Africa, (New York: New York Graphic Society, 1964), p.15
[2] Benedict Donahue, The Cultural Arts of Africa, (University Press of America, 1979), p.43
Kpelie Mask
Ivory coast, Senufo, early 20th century
wood – height: 42cm
Senufo sculpture is amongst the finest and most elaborate artistic styles in the African continent. Kpelie masks portray oval feminine stylized faces, although usually worn by men, and are symbolic in nature honouring Senufo ancestors. This kpelie mask is a particularly fine example, showcasing geometric motifs flanking the face and intricate incised and raised sacrificed patterns on its forehead and at the sides of the nose, contrasting with the smooth glossy surface. Two pegs, which can be interpreted as legs, horns or locks of hair, protrude from the lower cheeks. The use of hard wood characterised by a natural deep-brown patina and small holes punctured along the ridges of the mask are typical Senufo features. Kpelie masks were carved in a ritual setting and evoke a mystical energy, which is noticeably present in this example.
Throughout the twentieth century Senufo members wore finely carved kpelie masks on several occasions, including in rites at initiation ceremonies, at burial rites, and harvest festivals.[1] In addition, the heraldic bird sitting on top of the mask can be interpreted as a cultural emblem of the Senufo people.[2]
This mask emanates sensitivity, intensity, and elegance - typical for high quality Senufo objects. The slender and finely carved details combined with the schematic facial features generate a pure emotion making this mask an extraordinary work of art.
PROVENANCE
Collection Emil Storrer, Switzerland
Collection Mariette Henau, Belgium
AHDRC.EU INVENTORY NUMBER
0054842-001
RELATED LITERATURE
Donahue, Benedict. The Cultural Arts of Africa. Maryland: University Press of America, 1979.
Gagliardi, Susan Elizabeth. Senufo Unbound: Dynamics of Art and Identity in West Africa. Cleveland: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2014.
Goldwater, Robert. Senufo: sculpture from West Africa. New York: New York Graphic Society, 1964.
Hahner-Herzog, Iris and Maria Kecskesi and Laslo Vajda. African Masks from the Barbier-Mueller Collection, Geneva. Munich/New York: Prestel, 1998.
[1] Robert Goldwater, Senufo: sculpture from West Africa, (New York: New York Graphic Society, 1964), p.15
[2] Benedict Donahue, The Cultural Arts of Africa, (University Press of America, 1979), p.43
