Masque casque "wanyugo" ("cracheur de feu")
· Côte d'Ivoire, Sénoufo
·
ID: 3048950
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.
Littérature comparée
Goldwater, Robert, Senufo Sculpture from West Africa, Greenwich 1964, ill. 52Publications
AHDRC: 0072994