Mask "korobla" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo · ID: 3032566

Description

wood, dark brown patina, composed of different animals, crowned by a small vessel, a chamaeleon and a bird’s head, rep. (left horn), min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, insect caused damage, on wooden base;
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. 57, ill. 37