BEADS SENEFU

Senufo masks from Ghana, specifically those associated with the Poro society, are primarily wooden and used in ceremonies like funerals and initiations. They come in two main forms: small, finely carved face masks (kpeliye’e) with feminine features, and larger, more elaborate helmet masks (often called kponyugu or firespitter masks) that combine various animal features to evoke both fear and protection. Elaboration: • Kpeliye’e (Face Masks): These smaller masks are considered feminine and are worn by men in the Poro society. They feature delicate, oval faces with geometric projections, smooth surfaces, and often have raised scarification patterns. They are used to honor deceased Senufo elders. • Kponyugu/Firespitter Masks (Helmet Masks): These larger, more imposing masks are worn over the entire head and feature a combination of animal forms, such as buffalo, warthog, crocodile, antelope, and bird, sometimes with a chameleon or other elements. They are used in funerals to honor the deceased and ward off evil spirits. Their frightening appearance is intended to inspire fear and protect the soul of the deceased. • Purpose: Both types of masks play a role in the Poro society’s rituals, including initiations and funerals. They are kept hidden from the uninitiated in a sacred enclosure. • Symbolism: The masks are rich in symbolism, drawing on Senufo cosmology, legends, and beliefs about the connections between animals, ancestral spirits, and nature. The specific combination of animal features in the kponyugu masks can also vary, with some subtypes having more nuanced interpretations related to specific rituals or beliefs. • Craftsmanship: Senufo masks are known for their intricate carving and attention to detail, often incorporating a variety of materials like wood, horns, raffia fiber, cotton cloth, feathers, and even sacrificial materials.