Society Carved Wooden Mask with Animal Crest

This sacred carved wooden Senoufo mask from Mali is associated with the Poro society, an initiatory group that teaches young men about community, power and nature. Masks of this kind helped villagers connect with their ancestors, guide the dead and protect the community from evil spirits and sorcerers.

The mask has an elongated face, geometric projections and a sculpted animal crest, with red, blue and yellow pigment over a textured pale ground. The reverse is hollowed by hand and has holes around the rim.

The wood and painted surface show age-related wear, including pigment loss, marks and areas of dark staining. Please refer to the photographs for condition.