Zemanek-Münster

Horned mask

Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo
sold EUR 2,000
Provenance
Ernst Winizki, Zurich, Switzerland
René David, Zurich, Switzerland
Harald & Ursula Suhr, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada / Germany (1982)
Size
H: 77 cm
H: 30.3 inch

Description

light brown wood, encrusted reddish brown patina, elongated head with open snout, curved horns, rep., (left horn), min. dam., traces of insect caused damage and abrasion;
probably the mask type “kagba” belonging to the “poro” men society of the Senufo, used at funeral ceremonies and during initiation rites. The mask is completed by a cane construction, tent-like covered with mats or blankets, which are ornamentally painted. In the case of “kagba” it is supported by one man, while the bigger version of “nasolo” needs two men to be moved.


Comparing literature

Förster, Till, Die Kunst der Senufo aus Schweizer Sammlungen, Zürich 1988, p. 66, ill. 47

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