Sénoufo Kpélié Ceremony Mask Ivory Coast

Exceptional Kpélié ceremonial mask from the Sénoufo people, originating from Côte d'Ivoire, hand-carved from ancient wood and featuring a magnificent two-tone patina from the period. An authentic piece dated to the mid-20th century. The Kpélié mask — whose name means "the face that jumps" — is emblematic of Sénoufo rituals. It was worn during the second initiatory phase of the Poro ceremony, a major traditional and spiritual society of this ethnic group. This piece represents an idealised female figure, symbolising beauty, purity, and wisdom. Its remarkable sculptural characteristics include: • Striped and elegantly curved horns. • Central beard and characteristic lateral wings. • Frontal bulge, symbolising femininity. • Slit eyes, elongated nose, and harmonious proportions. • Finely carved traditional scarifications on the face. • Frontal hair crest evoking dreams and spiritual revelations conveyed by the spirits of the bush. The whole piece displays a high-quality ancient two-tone patina, reflecting its ritual use and antiquity.