African Senufo Janiform Firespitter mask helmet, fierce mask teeth jaws tusks

Description

African Senufo Janiform Firespitter mask helmet
Senufo Wanyugo Fire Spitter Mask has performers dance at the funerals of important male and female elders of the powerful Poro society, an association found among the Senufo people in Côte d’Ivoire. “They beat drums that have been placed on the torso of the deceased in order to ward off evil and help the soul reach the spirit world”. This mask is also used in initiation ceremonies and rituals that help to maintain social order in the community with its functions, meaning and values of a single object which is common in Africa. Some of these functions can be symbolized by the selection of certain animal features. A mask with history and meaning, and would grace your home with beauty and be a wonderful addition to your collection.
25” wide, 13” tall, 12” wide
(and about 11 pounds)
In good condition, minor loss of one chameleon tail
Purchased by me in 2012 from an Arizona
collector who bought it from a New York estate. The description the previous owner gave was “early 20
th
Century.” I think it is later, but at least 50 years old.
All my auctions are starting at .99 and no reserve. I’m open to reasonable offers. I have spent a great deal of money on my collection over the years, will see if I break even.
I am a private collector, and have acquired too much, my loss is your gain. I am not a professional in the tribal art field, so all items are sold “in the style of” per eBay policies.
I am using the eBay shipping calculator. Any charge over actual cost will be returned to the buyer.