A SENUFO FIRESPITTER MASK
Called "Kponyungo"
Provenance: private Dutch collection,
The Kponyungo, also known as the “funeral head mask” or “Firespitter,” is the most well-known Senufo mask. The name Kponyungo is derived from the words “kpoo” and “nyungo”, which translates to “the head of the deceased one”. It is a carved wooden helmet mask, which means it is worn over the whole head, and is used in the funerals of the Senufo people. Right horn has a "répération indigènes", a natural restoration which you often see at this type of masks caused by ceremonial dances.
Ivory coast, West Africa
Wood, 103 x 40 cm
Price: € 6.000,-