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The masks below are SOLD. They are left here for reference and
education purposes.
For UNSOLD Senufo Firespitter masks
GO TO SENUFO FIRESPITTER
MASKS PAGE
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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 7, 12 and 13 are Gbon Masks, simpler and danced at funerals to control and guide the soul of the deceased.
Most of these Senufo "firespitter" masks show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.
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