Huge, Rare, Museum Quality African Senufo People Kpelie / Kpele Mask, Northern Ivory Coast or Southern Mali, Africa
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This is one of the most unique and handcrafted masks I have ever seen! Carved in hard wood and featuring a central mask of red ochre, unbelievable antlers – (they actually look like bone antlers) sprouting from the top – with what I believe to be two birds (perhaps a representation of hornbills) on the very top, and three horns jutting down below the face. It has many characteristics similar to the Kpele or Kpelie masks, however I never seen this complexity and uniqueness. Wow! The Kpele or Kpelie masks are thought to represent either a Poro ancestor or the supernatural spirit of a deceased person. This mask as been with many owners over the last 30 years. This is a very rare and incredible mask – over 26” tall! And. I would consider this mask Museum Quality even with a few chips missing and blunt ends. Circa mid-1900’s. No stands are included. For the Serious Collector.
This stunning Mask has SOLD. Thanks. C.R.