Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Property from the Palm Springs Art Museum, Sold to Support the Care of Collections and the William Holden Fund for Acquisitions
Lot Closed
May 18, 07:03 PM GMT
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Property from the Palm Springs Art Museum, Sold to Support the Care of Collections and the William Holden Fund for Acquisitions
Senufo Mask, Côte d'Ivoire
Height: 12 1/4 in (31.2 cm)
Members of poro, a Senufo initiation association, wore such small, beautifully carved masks as insignia. The term kpeliye'e, or "face of the jumping performer," refers to the dynamic performances audiences have continued to associate with the mask. These masks honored deceased Senufo elders and differ in their delicate style from the often frightening Senufo helmet masks also commonly used in the region.
The present mask, with its gently curved horns on top of the head and carved panel at each side of the face, demonstrates the delicate form and ornamentation of kpeliye'e masks. The forehead with geometric incisions: a rectangular motif towards the top and two lunar forms close to each temple. The eyebrows mirror these semi-circular motifs, framing the slit eyes: from it stems a long, thin nose. Incisions appear on either side of the nose and mouth.