Helmet Mask (kponyugu)

Culture: Senufo artist
Date: early 20th century
Material: Wood, organic material
associated with: Savanes region, Côte d'Ivoire, Africa
Classification: Costume & clothing, masks
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: On View, Gallery 102
Dimensions: 10 1/4 x 9 7/16 x 36 1/2 in. (26 x 24 x 92.7 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Thomas Alexander and Michael Roth
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 66:1971

NOTES

This mask features parts of many animals: the horns of the swift antelope, the snout of the powerful hyena with menacing teeth, the tusks of the determined warthog, and the beak of the all-seeing bird. The spiritual power of these animals was thought to be concentrated in such masks, known as kponyugu, to give masqueraders the ability to protect their village communities from malevolent forces. During these spectacular performances, a mixture of grass and wood was placed inside the mouth of the mask and ignited. As the wearer blew out flames and smoke, the mask appeared to breathe fire.

Provenance

Karl-Heinz Krieg, Neuenkirchen, Germany [1]

- 1971
Alexander Roth Gallery, Clayton, MO, USA

1971 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Thomas Alexander and Michael Roth [2]

Notes:
[1] A note on the accession record identifies this object was formerly in the Karl Heinz-Krieg collection [SLAM document files].

[2] A letter dated December 17, 1971 from Charles E. Buckley, director of the Saint Louis Art Museum, to Tom Alexander [Alexander Roth Gallery] acknowledges the gift of this object [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, City Art Museum, December 30, 1971.

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.