This is a very rare twin faced Senufo mask from the Ivory Coast (Cote D'Ivoire, West Africa). A Kpelie - Senufo double faced mask interpretation depends on the region: it can be a marriage mask to represent the unity of mankind as man and woman join in marriage, the kalao bird representing fertility and life creation. It may be part in rituals welcoming birth of twins: here the dancing double faced Kpelié is a symbol of the celebration and kalao bird protection of the twins life. Senufo, a traditional agricultural people from Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso, are renowned for their woodcarving. Handmade masks are part of harvest festivals, initiation ceremonies, funerals and rituals for ancestor worship. This wonderful work of art is made out of wood, carved and painted, approximately 42 cm high x 21 cm x 9 depth. Vintage, second half of XX century.

Codice del libro: ZZ/0990