Mali - Zamble Helmet Mask

Description
Information

Mali
Mid 20th
Zamble Helmet Mask
Accompanied by its certificate of authenticity
Dimensions: 48 x 17 cm / 1.005 kg
Wood
Optional pedestal (contact us)

Representing hybrid beings, the zoomorphic African Senufo masks are worn by members of the Poro society, an institution which controls political and economic life. Their function is to honor the Elders or appear at funerals, hence their name, Poniugo, "funeral head". Multiple zoomorphic elements are usually mixed together: crocodile jaws with antelope, warthog and ram horns.

Living in a reserved area, the Senufo sculptor, whose training would span seven years, began with the production of everyday objects, then, gradually, displayed increasingly larger sculptures. Initiating rituals would complete his apprenticeship.

Senufo : people is settled in Burkina Faso, Mali and Ivory Cost. They live from agriculture. Their art consists in masks ans sculptures. The Calao mythical bird is very important in seufo's iconography.