It is a delicately
carved mask combining both human and animal features. Although
it was always owned and worn by a man, Kpelie represented
the concept of feminine beauty and fertility.
The unique features which characterize the Kpelie mask include elongated flanges
radiating from the bottom part of the mask, which are a reference to the hornbill
bird.
The horns on the mask refer to the ram, an important sacrificial
animal. The nodules on the forehead represent palm nuts
as well as vulvas; they are flanked by cicatrization marks
that symbolize the twins born to the primordial couple.
The Kpelie mask was used at initiation in the societies for boys, adolescents,
and adults, at funeral rituals designed to lead the spirit into the land of
the dead, and at harvest festivals to thank the ancestors for a good crop.
From Rand Smith
If you have more information concerning this
object, its symbolism, its ritual use, its ethnic group,
do not hesitate to leave us a comment by clicking the lower
button..
|
Masque
Kpeliye Poro - Senoufo / Koulfo - Cote Ivoire 
