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A Senufo Janus ' Kponungo' helmet mask browse these categories for related items... All Items: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: African: Sculpture: Pre 1940: item # 917733 Please refer to our stock # S4791362 when inquiring.
michael cichon tribal arts P.O. Box 5919 Bradenton, FL 34281 941.224.0440 Guest Book $7,500.00 |
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| "Kponungo" masks are called upon to destroy malevolent forces which, according to the Senufo people, become more active during stressful and disruptive times, such as funerals. Combining elements of antelope or buffalo (horns), crocodile (toothy, powerful jaws), hyena (ears and general shape of the helmet), warthog (tusks), and human (eyes), these ambiguous masks are used by Senufo men's associations related to the 'Poro,' a society responsible for the initiation and training of young boys. These masks are rich in iconographic details that relate to the origin of the Senufo world, to the important mythological events, and to the roles of particular animals considered obligated to both departed ancestors and to nature spirits of this world. For instance, the chameleons holding onto the bowl at the top of this mask are regarded as one of the primordial animals in the Senufo creation story. The bowl is a receptacle for magical substances believed to charge the mask and keep its power effective. Sometimes these masks have been seen walking through fire or emitting sparks or flames during the masquerade, giving rise to the name "firespitter.' This very fine, old example is a Janus version and shows much ritual use and wear. Several of the tusks and horns have old, native repair - replacements have been lovingly made for the damaged or lost sections. The overall coloration is a deep gray-black highlighted with organic red pigment. Traditionally, Senufo artisans "mixed charcoal and shea butter to form a paste not unlike a soft wax" ("Surfaces," Kahan, Page, Imperato, ed. 2009). The distinctive smell of shea butter, made from the seeds of a fruit from a particular small, African tree, is still quite evident on and around the mask. From Ivory Coast, West Africa. The mask measures 29.50"L x 15"H x 14"W, excluding the steel mount. It dates to the early 20th century. Provenance: Nick North, photographer, NYC. Acquired ca. 1965. Powerful and spectacular! | ||||||||||
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