Helmet mask "korobla" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo · ID: 3032444

Description

wood, black patina, an elongated concave facial plane with long nose bridge, traces of metal tags where originally the eyes were attached, drilled hole above the forehead for insertion of feather ornament, abundant grass fibre cuff at the lower rim, slightly dam., paint rubbed off;
appearing at funeral services and above all by night when the witches use to roam the village to look for new victims. The “korobla” shall ambush them, because the Senufo belief her to be stronger than any witch. She is extraordinary fast and in former times she was known for her ability to spit “fire”. She utters long screams and as soon as she makes out a witch, she mightily chases her away.

Comparing literature

Förster, Till, Die Kunst der Senufo aus Schweizer Sammlungen, Zürich 1988, p. 56 f., ill. 36