200513 - LARGE, Rare & Old Tribal used Senufo Firespitter mask - Iv. Coast
Old Tribal used African Senufo Kponungo "Firespitter" mask - Iv. Coast
This type of mask is used in initiation ceremonies.
Hand carved from a single piece of wood, with color pigments.
This mask is Long 106 cm and 42 cm high.
This Mask was collected between 1950 and 1960 and ended up in my private collection in 1998.
These large horizontal masks, composites of several animals, were called Kponungo, or "funeral head masks". The term "Firespitter" is used by outsiders. Used by both Poro and non-Poro male societies, these helmet masks embodied an aggressive supernatural power to combat any forces that might disrupt the well-being of the community. The powerful features of antelopes, buffaloes, crocodiles, warthogs, hornbills, chameleons and humans combined to symbolize power and to recall important myths. They were used in anti-witchcraft ceremonies.
Local pickup in the Netherlands - Hengelo - with Courier for 55 euro.
I ship only within Europe but ask me first for the shipping price. (DHL - UPS pa8