Helmet mask "wanyugo" ("firespitter") · Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo · ID: 3048950

Name: Helmet mask "wanyugo" ("firespitter")
SKU: 3048950
Price: 2500 EUR
Availability: SoldOut

sold EUR 2,500

Provenance

Christie’s, London, 18 March 1980, Lot 400

Size

L: 87 cm

H: 35 cm

L: 34.3 inch

H: 13.8 inch

Description

wood, red and white pigment, rest., base

Zoomorphic masks “wanyugo” are the property of the “wabele” society. They have the task of tracking down and destroying witches and evil spirits, as well as escorting the spirits of the deceased into the realm of the dead during funeral ceremonies.

“Wanyugo” is one of the aggressive masks which can also be destructive. Its menacing look should support them in their fight against baneful powers. From time to time a swarm of vicious bees or fire should have left the open jaws of the mask, which is why they are often called “firespitter” masks.

The masks were enpowered by magical substances which were filled into a small funnel-like container, which is mounted on the mask top. Especially through this small container the “wanyugo” mask is to identify, because in general the “head of Poro” (“kponiugo” mask) is very similar. Occasionally there are also double-headed “wanyugo” masks.

A comparable mask with hornbill, chameleon and container published in Goldwater, ill. 52.

The object Helmet mask “wanyugo” (“firespitter”) with the object ID 3048950 was last part of the auction 98th Auction at March 26, 2022 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 187 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,500.

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.