Helmet mask "kponyugo" ("Head of the poro") ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo · ID: 3049486

Description

wood, pigments, rest.

“Kponyugo” masks always combine features of different animals with the intention of creating the most frightening appearance possible. The large mouth, always armed with strong teeth, is intended to reinforce this impression.

“Kponyugo” are worn by members of the “poro” society and other fraternal associations. They appear at funerals of society members, to punish lawbreakers or deter malevolent spirits.

Due to the aggressive and combative nature of the helmet masks and their performances, women and children are enjoined to avoid seeing them, a stricture honored due to the costly consequences that transgressions precipitate.

Comparing literature

Förster, Till, Die Kunst der Senufo aus Schweizer Sammlungen, Zürich 1988, p. 65