Firespitter Mask
Wood mask of fanged creature with two figures (female and ape). Female figure is removable (considered a separate piece).
Label reads "Firespitter mask. Senufo Tribe, Ivory Coast. Society mask. Fusion of Warthog, antelope,monkey, crocodile, woman."
- Object: Firespitter Mask
- Artist: -
- Circa: -
- Dimensions: 24.25"L x 14.5"H x 9"W
- Culture Area: Africa / West Africa / Ivory Coast
- Cultural Group: Senufo
- Cultural Context: This mask may be a ceremonial mask worn at funerals. The name of this mask is derived from the work “kpoo” and “nyungo” which is translated as “head of the deceased one”. It is represented with a variety of animals such as: antelopes,monkeys, crocodiles, and women. This mask is an ideogram that symbolizes a mythical being that channels the spirit of the animals. From antelope and crocodile, they allude to strength and speed. From women, they symbolize fertility. The Kponyugo mask is also used for initiation festivities during times of maintaining social order within the community. Also, from a scanned in-house sign, unknown author: The name Kponyungo, attributed to this helmet mask, derives from the words kpoo and nyungo and is translated "head of a deceased one." thus alluding to its use at funerals. Masked performers dance around the cadaver at funerals of important male and female elders of the powerful Poro Society, an association found among the Senufo people. Beating drums, placed on the torso of the deceased, are used in conjunction with these masks in order to ward off evil and help the soul reach the spirit world. This mask is a combination of features of various animals: antelope, monkey, crocodile, and woman. The elements chosen and the way in which they have been fused into one sculptural unit produce a bold, dynamic form meant to inspire fear and awe. The mask is an ideogram, representing mythical being who incorporates the powers of animals said to have first appeared at the time of creation, before order was brought to the world. This mask is also used in initiation ceremonies and rituals that help maintain social order in the community. Some of these functions can be symbolized by the selection of certain animal features. For example, the depictions on this helmet mask -- of spiked crocodile teeth and antelope -- are animal attributes associated with strength, speed, and aggressiveness. They are combined with the female, a symbol of fertility. All of these symbols express the power of the Poro Society association in maintaining social order in the community.
- Donor: Barbara & Hiro Narita
- Catalog #: 114.237