Senufo Poro Society Kpeliye Mask, Based

A hornbill-topped face with a long nose and wide, calm eyes.

Senufo artists of the Ivory Coast, West Africa, carved this Poro society kpeliye mask in wood in the 20th century. Face masks of this type are associated with the Poro society, and are commonly linked with funerary and initiation rites. The oval face has a straight nose, slit eyes, scarified marks and a small beard-like projection at the chin. Side flanges extend from the cheeks, and curled horns arch above a bird perched on the crown. The wood has a dark, glossy brown surface and is mounted on a black metal stand.

About 15 inches tall. Calm enough to stare back at you without any hurry.