Anthropomorphic face mask "kpélié" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo · ID: 3048802

Description

wood, rest.

“Kpélié” is one of the most important face masks of the initiation society of the “poro”, which regulates the social and spiritual life of the Senufo. At funeral rituals, “kpélié” is supposed to lead the deceased members of the family into the peaceful land of the dead.

“Kpélié” masks are made by the “kulebele” carvers’ association. According to Glaze, the hornbill as a crowning motif is most frequently found among the “forambele” blacksmiths.

The object Anthropomorphic face mask “kpélié” with the object ID 3048802 was part of the auction 98th Auction on March 26, 2022. The object with the lot number 186 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,100 with an asking price of EUR 800.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.

Comparing literature

Schmalenbach, Werner (Hg.), Afrikanische Kunst aus der Sammlung Barbier-Mueller, Genf, München 1988, p. 86, ill. 27