Senufo Kponiugo Mask, Fire Spitter, FINE, African Start Price USD 950.00 Current Price USD 950.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, November 06, 2008 End Time Saturday, December 06, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Senufo Kponiugo Mask, Fire Spitter, FINE, African' Description Title: Senufo Kponiugo Mask, Fire-SpitterType of Object: Helmet MaskEthnic Group: SenufoCountry of Origin: Cote d'IvoireMaterials: Wood, pigmentApproximate Age: Early twentieth centuryDimensions: Height: 12 inches. Length: 18 inchesOverall Condition: GoodDamage, Repair: Bottom back of mask has been repaired (two pieces apparently glued back on.) Tail area of lizard has an old chip. One nostril is missing. Holes on bottom perimeter appear to have been made with an awl.Additional Information: The Senufo live in the Ivory Coast and southern Mali in small villages supporting themselves primarily as farmers. Though generally independent, the villages are joined through a shared men’s secret society known as Poro or Pondo, which is responsible for the initiation of young boys and men and for instruction in the religious wisdom and knowledge of the bush spirits. This mask is a sub-style variant of a large helmet mask known as Kopnyungo, meaning literally “funeral head mask,” worn by senior members of Poro at funerals of deceased and honored members. This complex mask is worn on the head when danced, incorporating a number of different animal motifs to create an image that is aggressive and powerful. The face of the mask combines human and animal traits, with the typical Senufo T-shaped nose.The crocodile mouth at the front of this mask represents the uncontrolled forces of the bush. On the top of the mask is a unidentified animal, probably an chameleon, also associated with the original primordial creatures created by God. Chameleons as wellas crocodile are magical and powerful as chameleons are believed to be transitional animals, changing color when aroused or frightened. It’s slow and deliberate manner of walking also makes it an animal to fear.This mask was most probably used by farmers among the Senufo and when worn the dancer would look out through the opening of the mouth. Further reading: Goldwater, R. “Senufo Sculpture from West Africa." (1964). Glaze, Anita J. “Art and Death in a Senufo Village." (1981). A HISTORY OF ART IN AFRICA" by Visona et al, features a piece very similar to this one.I have examined this figure and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, PhD. **005335** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!