SENUFO KPELIYE MASK

Ghanaian artisan Elias Dela Dorkenoo designed this elongated African mask. He hand-carved it from rese wood, and the dark brown finish and embossed aluminium panels add to the regal feel. This stunning piece of home decor will bring a touch of African culture to any room.

Dan, also known as Gio or Yakuba, are an ethnolinguistic group inhabiting the mountains of western central Côte d'Ivoire and adjacent areas of Liberia. Dan belongs to the southern branch of the Mandish subgroup of the Niger-Congo language family. They originated somewhere in the western or northwestern part of the modern state, perhaps in Malink (Mandingo). Dan is closely related to the southern Gere (also spelled Ngere or Guere).

The Danes are an agricultural people living in western Côte d'Ivoire and the hinterland of Liberia. They have a large number of masked figures representing the spirit of the jungle who serve various social, political and religious functions. Although 11 separate mask types can be distinguished according to formal criteria, these types cannot be assigned to specific functions because the meaning of masks has changed over time. The Danes have gained notoriety in the region for their entertainment festivals, which were originally village ceremonies but are now mostly performed for tourists. During these performances, masked performers dance on stilts. Created by the Kran group, the Kaogle mask is distinguished by its arched cheekbones, triangular nose, and broad, prominent forehead and mouth. This mask in particular is different in that its rectangular eyes protrude from the lower layer of the mask. Such eyes are often characteristic of Dan's neighbors, the Kiel tribe. Other features, such as the interplay of emptiness and mass and the sharp forehead stump, are reminiscent of the work of the nearby Bete tribe. Of course, this mask reveals the artistic influence of each tribe on the other. Khao Lak masks are traditionally used to create a festive atmosphere among the audience before the main festival begins. While this mask once attracted many concerned villagers, today it amazes us with its extraordinary beauty.

Former Belgian African Art Collection. This African yogurt mask is towered by birds and has braids carved into the hairstyle, divided into 3. It symbolizes prosperity. Traditional scratches are called "ngole". This mask from Ivory Coast It is also currently present at the festivities. Semi-matte wear in place, minimal chips. The Yaouré are a subgroup of the Akan people living in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, along with Burroughs and Gross. Their mutual influence is reflected in traditional sculpture. That African art Yaouré or Yauré's mask, Baoulé has a similar model, is dichotomous indistinguishable groups, each group, sometimes with the addition of color pigments, and lo, usually with a dark patina, appears at funerals or other ceremonies to end Win the favor of the "Yu" spirit.