Djimini Ligbi Metal Mask Côte d'Ivoire

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.  

Damage/Repair: Tarnishing and oxidation.

In this type of masks, human features are combined with the powerful bill of the hornbill bird, which is the most distinguishing feature of these masks. The bird is honored by the Jimini, the Ligbi, the Senufo and other peoples. They attach great importance to this bird, considering it one of mythical primeval animals, an attendant on the souls of the dead and a symbol of fertility. They are danced during the funerals of distinguished Muslim holy men, and their performances mark critical moments during the Muslim calendar year, and at the end of Ramadan, the month-long Islamic fast. The masqueraders are greatly admired for the grace of their dance movements, which they perform in pairs and in perfect unison. They are also valued for the positive qualities ascribed to the hornbill, whose behavior and family life are considered exemplary by the Ligbi.

The Djimini Do Society is a traditional African cultural group that has a rich history of artistic expression and community organization. The society is primarily based in the Ivory-Coast and is known for its intricate wooden sculptures, masks, and other forms of visual art.

Though being heavily influenced by the neighboring Senufo in their art, the Ligbi/Ligbe and Djimini people of the Ivory-Coast have incorporated these influences into their own identifiable style. Similar to Senufo "Kpeliyee/Kpelie" masks! This Ligbi version retains the Kpeliyee mask elements of the wings by the eyes and hairline, bird legs at the side of the face and the scarification marks on the face. Another mark of Ligbi origin is the use of the patterned scarification above the eyes and the elaborate coiffure very similar to the Baule hairstyles.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Djimini Do Society's art is its use of wooden sculptures and masks. These works are typically carved from a single piece of wood and are decorated with intricate patterns and symbols. The masks are often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals, and are believed to have spiritual significance. They are also prized as works of art in their own right, and many have been collected by museums and private collectors around the world.

In addition to their visual art, the Djimini Do Society is also known for its music and dance. Traditional instruments like the balafon and the djembe are used to create lively rhythms that are accompanied by group dances and chanting. These performances are an important part of the society's cultural identity and are often used to mark important occasions like weddings, funerals, and other rites of passage.

The Djimini Senufo of Cote d'Ivoire, numbering 175,000, are Engaged yet Unreached. They are part of the Gur people cluster within the Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc. This people group is only found in Cote d'Ivoire. Their primary language is Djimini Senoufo.

The primary religion practiced by the Djimini Senufo is Folk Islam, a syncretistic belief system that blends traditional elements of Islam with superstitious practices such as warding off spirits with incantations and magic amulets, and reciting verses of the Qur'an to bring about miraculous healings.

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