Senufo Kpeliye’e (Kpelie)-type mask, northern Ivory Coast, carved wood. For Sale

This is a carved wooden mask from Côte d’Ivoire, acquired there in 1982 and probably dating from the mid to late 20thcentury. The elongated oval form, strongly symmetrical facial construction, raised central ridge, linear scarification-like details, projecting features, and contrasting dark and ochre-colored surface treatment relate broadly to mask traditions of northern and western Côte d’Ivoire, particularly Senufo and neighboring cultural groups. The reverse shows genuine hand hollowing, irregular tool marks, darkened wood, and wear rather than a molded or machine-produced construction. At approximately 15.5 inches high, the mask has substantial decorative presence. The surface has developed some natural age andhandling patina.. Mask is 15 ½ inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 2 inches deep.

Kpelie masks were created for the Senufo Poro association, an important institution concerned with education, social responsibility, initiation, religious knowledge, death and relations with ancestors. The Art Institute of Chicago describes Kpeliye’e masks as the work of specialized carvers for the all-male Poro association.Although normally owned and performed by men, the face often represented an idealized female ancestor or qualities associated with feminine beauty, fertility, continuity and the founding mother of the community. The mask therefore combines male ritual responsibility with a female ancestral image.