A Senufo Kpelie Mask...

Description

A Senufo Kpelie Mask
Cote d'Ivoire/Mali/Burkina Faso, c. early 20th century

Blackened wood mask of simplified form, featuring a bird head rising elegantly from the crown. The mask presents a restrained, abstract aesthetic typical of the classic Kpelie style, emphasizing verticality and minimal ornamentation. Wear and rubbing of wood on inside suggesting traditional ritual performance. In good condition, chips to tips of side tabs and bird's crest, losses to the inside and outer perimeter. A 2 x 1/2 inch scrape into the wood on the proper left temple, apparently once repaired since three small nail or tack holes remain.

Provenance:
Private Collection, France
Lucas Ratton, Paris, France
Berz Gallery, San Francisco, CA

Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Lucas Ratton, Paris, dated January 28, 2016.

Exhibited and Published:
The Beautiful Lady 'Kpellie', an exhibition of 21 masks of the Senufo, Berz Gallery, San Francisco, CA, and at Parcours des Mondes, Paris, 2016. Catalog plate 3.

Height: 11 inches

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