SENOUFU MASK

The Senufu/ Senoufo people live mainly in Northern Cote d'voire and in South Eastern Mali. They speak about four distinct languages, Palaka, Dyimini and Senari, all in Cote d'voire and Suppire in Mali. Their languages belong to the Gur branch of Niger Congo language family. The Senufo of northern Côte d’Ivoire produce a rich variety of sculptures, mainly associated with Poro, a society guided by a female ancestral spirit known as “the Ancient Mother.” All adult Senufo men belong to Poro, and the society maintains the continuity of religious and historical traditions. During initiation, young men are instructed through the use of sculptural figures and the Mask. Statues of the Ancient Mother,...View all