Ivory Coast

These are known as Kpeliye'e masks and are used in various stages of the Poro, the Senufo’s initiation and age-grade system. In these ceremonies, the masks are worn by dancers who dynamically celebrate an individual’s passage from one grade to the next, including funerary rituals. The masks are crested with the calao bird, a hornbill sacred to the Senufo. The Senufo style includes elongated, concave noses and round, protruding mouths.

Ivory Coast, 20th Century, Wood

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

This type of mask is of great importance to the Baule and can be worn only by certain people. Its design is based on the face of a specific person, and as part of the Mblo ceremony, it is worn by a skilled dancer honoring that person as an artistic expression. Oftentimes, the mask’s subject will partake in the Mblo ceremony as well.

Ivory Coast, 20th century

Wood

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

Yoruba masks have a characteristic coiffure similar to those seen in their statues.

Ivory Coast, c. 20th Century, Wood

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

These are known as Kpeliye'e masks and are used in various stages of the Poro, the Senufo’s initiation and age-grade system. In these ceremonies, the masks are worn by dancers who dynamically celebrate an individual’s passage from one grade to the next, including funerary rituals. The masks are crested with the calao bird, a hornbill sacred to the Senufo. The Senufo style includes elongated, concave noses and round, protruding mouths.

Ivory Coast, c. 20th century

wood

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection

These are known as Kpeliye'e masks and are used in various stages of the Poro, the Senufo’s initiation and age-grade system. In these ceremonies, the masks are worn by dancers who dynamically celebrate an individual’s passage from one grade to the next, including funerary rituals. The masks are crested with the calao bird, a hornbill sacred to the Senufo. The Senufo style includes elongated, concave noses and round, protruding mouths.

Ivory Coast, c. 20th century

Wood

Gift of the Dr. Alan & Linda Rich Collection