Description:

West Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, Senufo peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A lovely example of a kpeliye'e (also kpelie) mask used in initiation ceremonies for the Poro Society. The teardrop-shaped face exhibits slit form eyes beneath scarred brows, a slender nose with flared nostrils, a projecting mouth with bared teeth adorned with faint red pigment, two pairs of lateral upper flanges, and two pairs of lower nodule-shaped protrusions. The coiffure is bound in a tight column atop the head with four rows of spikes protruding from the front. Several drilled holes along the periphery allow for attachment, and fine patina envelops the entire composition. Size: 6.8" W x 12.1" H (17.3 cm x 30.7 cm).

For a stylistically-similar example, please see The Brooklyn Museum, accession number 22.507: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/3015

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private lifetime collection of Dr. Saul Tuttman and Dr. Gregory Siskind, New York, New York, USA

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#136818

  • Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions to face, verso, and peripheries, with fading to original red pigmentation, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits along verso, and fine patina throughout.

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April 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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