Senufo Firespitter Mask on Custom Stand Côte d'Ivoir MATTER COLLECTION

The Senufo Firespitter Helmet Mask is a captivating symbol deeply rooted in the traditions of the Senufo people across Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Crafted by skilled artisans from wood, animal hide, fabric, and pigments, this mask's elongated form and intricate carvings reflect the mythical Firespitter creature, revered for its spiritual significance in Senufo culture. It holds a pivotal role in ceremonies, especially during coming-of-age rituals, where wearers channel the Firespitter's transformative essence. Accompanied by music and dance, the mask's vibrant colors and symbolic motifs create a mesmerizing spectacle, embodying ancestral connections and authority. Beyond its ceremonial importance, this mask has garnered international acclaim, serving as both an artistic masterpiece and a conduit for preserving the rich heritage of the Senufo people, fostering cultural appreciation worldwide.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much. 

Large crack through the underside.  Chips out of the bottom mask edge.