Presented in this lot is a Hand-Carved Horned Senufo (Kpeliye'e) Mask from the early to mid 20th century. The Senufo are an ethnic group who live in Côte d’Ivoire, previously called the Ivory Coast in West Africa. Art is an important part of the Senufo culture and it is tightly tied to their religion and beliefs. Senufo art is known for its striking masks and cubist shapes, and was a key influence on the early 20th century artistic avant-garde. Artists like Pablo Picasso and Fernand Léger were inspired by Senufo art. Senufo face masks or Kpelie (also known as Kpelie Yehe, Kodelle, or Kulie) are used in Poro Society initiation rituals for boys, adolescents, and adults, at funerals to lead the spirit of the deceased and at harvest festivals. Kpelie, always owned and worn by a man, represents the tribe's ancestors and has associations with the feminine ideals of beauty and fertility, with dancers imitating women's delicate and graceful gestures. The term kpeliye'e, or "face of the jumping performer," refers to the dynamic performances audiences have continued to associate with the mask. This mask features raised and incised scarification patterns ornamentation to the smooth, glossy black hand-carved wood surfaces. The mask has rear perforations for attaching wearing cords/straps. The mask is in good overall condition, slight scuffing exhibited on face. Measures 12"L x 6"W x 2.75"D. Weight is 10oz.*