This face mask would have been worn during
elaborate funeral ceremonies. Called kpeliyee,
anthropomorphic masks such as this one were used
to coerce the spirit of the deceased to leave his
home. The narrow nose leads to the protruding
mouth with prominent teeth. There is evidence of
decorative scarification around the mouth, cheeks,
eyes, and forehead. Two abstracts “legs” extend
from the jaw. Most probably, these depict either lock
of hair or ear pendants. The jutting shape at the top
is a representation of a bunch of palm nuts, a symbol
of fertility. The mask represents a stylized female
form but was worn by men. The spirits of deceased
ancestors played an active role in the religious beliefs
of the tribe. Thus, this mask was a potent icon for the
Senufo. By conjuring its powers, the wearer
attempted to communicate with fallen relatives while
simultaneously invoking the fertility that sustains us
all.
- (PF.5570)
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