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Allof our Senufo firespitter masks below have been sold and are left here for reference and educational purposes.
GO TO SENUFO FIRESPITTER MASKS ARCHIVES PAGE (ALL SOLD)
The two Gbon masks below have been vetted as authentic.
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Photographs ©Hamill Gallery
These large horizontal masks, composites of several animals, were called Kponungo, or "funeral head masks". The term "Firespitter" is used by outsiders. Used by both Poro and non-Poro male societies, these helmet masks embodied an aggressive supernatural power to combat any forces that might disrupt the well-being of the community. The powerful features of antelopes, buffaloes, crocodiles, warthogs, hornbills, chameleons and humans combined to symbolize power and to recall important myths. They were used in anti-witchcraft ceremonies.
Numbers 12 and 13 are Gbon Masks, simpler and danced at funerals
GO TO SENUFO FIRESPITTER MASKS ARCHIVES PAGE (ALL SOLD)
GO TO A DILEMMA OF HORNS EXHIBITION PAGE
GO TO SENUFO ART PAGE
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